Remote Programming of Cardiac Implantable Devices Safe for MRI Scan, Shows Study
|
By HospiMedica International staff writers Posted on 05 May 2022 |
|
More than 60 million magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are performed worldwide each year, but imaging for the millions of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) such as pacemakers is a logistical challenge, because of concerns with how the magnetic field affects the implants. Now, a new study reveals safe and effective reprogramming of these devices is possible, even from a remote location. Remote programming could reduce the need to reschedule MRI scans and other procedures that require device programming in case there is no device representative or other qualified personnel present on-site to perform the task.
Researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine (Columbia, MO, USA) conducted an observational study of 209 patients at MU Health Care’s University Hospital who underwent remote programming of their device for MRI using Medtronic RM CareLink technology. Of those scans, 51 were performed urgently. An MRI technician started each session by contacting an off-site operator and placing a programming wand on the patient’s CIED, enabling the programmer to access the device remotely and switch to an MRI-safe mode. After completing the scan, the remote programmer returned the device to the patient’s baseline settings.
“During this study, none of the patients experienced any symptoms during the scan, no one needed any changes to the baseline settings afterward, and there were no technology issues,” said senior author Sandeep Gautam, MD, associate professor of clinical medicine. “The estimated time saved per scan was 18 to 38 minutes per patient, calculated by measuring the device representative's travel time to the MRI suite.”
“We believe this technology will reduce unnecessary use of health care resources and manpower,” added Gautam. “This will eventually lead to reduction in health care costs, as it will require a smaller number of personnel for device programming, eliminate travel cost and may be especially helpful in rural areas where access to health care is limited.”
Related Links:
University of Missouri School of Medicine
Latest Surgical Techniques News
- Continuous Monitoring with Wearables Enhances Postoperative Patient Safety
- New Approach Enables Customized Muscle Tissue Without Biomaterial Scaffolds
- Robot-Assisted Brain Angiography Improves Procedural Outcomes
- Brain Mapping Technology Enhances Precision in Brain Tumor Resection
- Handheld Robotic System Expands Options for Total Knee Surgery
- VR Experience Reduces Patient Anxiety Before Kidney Stone Procedure
- Injectable Mini Livers Offer Hope for Patients Awaiting Transplant
- Pulsed Field Ablation Technology Cleared in Europe for Persistent AFib
- AI-Powered Imaging Brings Real-Time Margin Clarity to Breast Cancer Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Device Safely Treats Challenging Brain Aneurysms
- Surgical Robot Makes Complex Liver Tumor Surgery Safer and Less Invasive
- Neurostimulation Implant Reduces Seizure Burden in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
- Minimally Invasive Procedure Effectively Treats Small Kidney Cancers
- Fluorescence Probe Paired with Engineered Enzymes Lights Up Tumors for Easier Surgical Removal
- Novel Hydrogel Could Become Bone Implant of the Future
- Skull Implant Design Could Shape Surgical Outcomes
Channels
Artificial Intelligence
view channel
Machine Learning Approach Enhances Liver Cancer Risk Stratification
Hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of primary liver cancer, is often detected late despite targeted surveillance programs. Current screening guidelines emphasize patients with known cirrhosis,... Read more
New AI Approach Monitors Brain Health Using Passive Wearable Data
Brain health spans cognitive and emotional functions and can fluctuate even in adults without diagnosed disease. Detecting early changes remains difficult in routine care and burdens specialty services... Read more
Critical Care
view channel
Automated IV Labeling Solution Improves Infusion Safety and Efficiency
Medication administration in high-acuity settings is often complicated by multiple concurrent infusions, making accurate line identification essential. In a 10-hospital intensive care unit study, 60% of... Read more
First-Of-Its-Kind AI Tool Detects Pulmonary Hypertension from Standard ECGs
Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive, life‑threatening disease that is frequently missed early because symptoms such as dyspnea are nonspecific and diagnostic delays can exceed two years.... Read more
Patient Care
view channel
Wearable Sleep Data Predict Adherence to Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung disorder that makes breathing difficult and often disturbs sleep, reducing energy for daily activities. Limited engagement in pulmonary... Read more
Revolutionary Automatic IV-Line Flushing Device to Enhance Infusion Care
More than 80% of in-hospital patients receive intravenous (IV) therapy. Every dose of IV medicine delivered in a small volume (<250 mL) infusion bag should be followed by subsequent flushing to ensure... Read more
Health IT
view channel
EMR-Based Tool Predicts Graft Failure After Kidney Transplant
Kidney transplantation offers patients with end-stage kidney disease longer survival and better quality of life than dialysis, yet graft failure remains a major challenge. Although a successful transplant... Read more
Printable Molecule-Selective Nanoparticles Enable Mass Production of Wearable Biosensors
The future of medicine is likely to focus on the personalization of healthcare—understanding exactly what an individual requires and delivering the appropriate combination of nutrients, metabolites, and... Read more
Business
view channel
GE HealthCare Leads Major European Initiative to Advance Cardio-Oncology Care
Cardiovascular complications are increasingly recognized among people undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment, driven by pre‑existing disease and the cardiotoxic effects of chemotherapy, radiotherapy,... Read more
