Medtronic Releases MRI Care Pathway

Medtronic has launched the MRI Care Pathway, a new system that aims to streamline completing MRI scans for patients with Medtronic MRI-compatible cardiac devices.
 
According to Medtronic, a majority of patients with a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator will need an MRI in their lifetime. Many patients experience cancellations and delays when seeking the MRI scans they need because of, in part, the increased workload burden and expense related to device checks prior to MRI scans.
 
“While this technology has offered a huge improvement to my clinical workflow, its impact on my patients’ experiences when getting an MRI has been more important,” Peter Robertson, M.D., electrophysiologist at Ascension Saint Thomas Heart, told the press. “It allows rapid assurance at the time of the MRI that the scan can be completed safely. The patients can be confident they’re getting the right care, at the right time, and at an imaging center prepared to provide correct care for their device.”
 
The MRI Care Pathway features a website and tablet-based application to help healthcare providers reduce scheduling delays during the MRI scan workflow, The app has built-in safety features as well to inform MR technologists if an MRI scan can’t be safely performed.
 
Clinicians can use the website to independently verify whether a patient’s Medtronic device is MRI compatible. If compatible, the patient’s care team can immediately schedule their MRI appointment. At the patient’s MRI appointment, their MR technologist can use the app to set the appropriate device parameters for a safe MRI scan. After the scan, the MR technologist can use the app to return the patient to their cardiac device’s pre-scan settings.
 
“Medtronic’s MRI Care Pathway is user-friendly and supports MR technologists in quickly conducting safe MRI scans for patients with Medtronic cardiac devices, which can ultimately reduce a patient’s time waiting for important imaging data,” said Jim Vogl, VP of Medtronic Patient Care Systems, Cardiac Rhythm Management. “It empowers clinicians and patients to focus on the care they need, the moment they need it.”
 
The app is compatible with the Medtronic portfolio of SureScan devices, including pacemakers, cardiac resynchronization devices, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and insertable cardiac monitor systems.