PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, 29 March 2010
Major breakthrough for patients with pacemakers
Cardiology experts at Royal Brompton have implanted a revolutionary new pacemaker that allows patients to have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan without fear the device will be affected by the MRI scanner.
Medical technology company Medtronic developed the first pacemaker that is compatible with MRI scanners. Until now, patients with a pacemaker have been unable to have an MRI scan. The scanners use electromagnets that could damage or re-programme pacemakers with the magnetic forces used in the machine - putting patients at risk.
Implanting the new advanced pacemaker, Dr. Jonathan Lyne, cardiologist at Royal Brompton Hospital, said: “The introduction of an MRI scanner compatible pacemaker is a truly significant step forward for our patients.
“On average we implant 1,200 pacemakers each year and we know from experience that 50 per cent of these patients may need an MRI scan at some point in their life. Until now, these patients have not been able to benefit from this highly sophisticated diagnostic tool, so this is a considerable breakthrough in pacemaker technology.
“It will bring a significant benefit for cardiac patients like Szilvia Jambrik who may need MRI scans in the future. Szilvia can now expect a more timely and accurate diagnosis of her condition.”
Ms. Szilvia Jambrik from Shepherds Bush, London was the first patient to be offered the first MRI scanner compatible pacemaker at Royal Brompton Hospital, she said: “When I first came to hospital, I was not expecting to need a pacemaker or to learn that I would need MRI scans in the future. It is a great comfort to me and my family knowing that I have one of the first pacemakers that will allow me to have an MRI scan without any problems.“
MRI is one of the most accurate diagnostic imaging tools that is available and is used to produce detailed scans of the inside of the body. For cardiac patients there is the option of cardiac MRIs, which can be used to measure blood flow in blood vessels and assess heart function.
There are approximately 250,000 people in the UK who currently have a pacemaker.
Ends/
For further information please contact:
Shima Islam, head of media relations
Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust
Tel: 020 7351 8672 (Brompton)
Tel: 01895 828 877 (Harefield)
Mobile: 07866 536 345
Email: S.Islam@rbht.nhs.uk
Notes to editors:
Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust is the largest specialist heart and lung centre in the UK and among the largest in Europe. It is one Europe’s largest centres for the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. We are internationally recognised as leaders in the development of minimally invasive therapy for coronary heart disease.
