MUMC First to Offer Pacemaker that is Safe for MRI

Doctors at MUMC implanted the Revo MRI™ SureScan® pacing system, the first pacemaker approved for use in certain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures first device in Savannah on February 22. Memorial University Medical Center (MUMC) is the first hospital in Savannah to offer this procedure. End Quote

Savannah, GA (1888PressRelease) March 29, 2011 - Memorial University Medical Center (MUMC) is the first hospital in Savannah to offer the Revo MRI™ SureScan® pacing system, the first pacemaker approved for use in certain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures. Doctors at MUMC implanted the first device in Savannah on February 22.

The Revo MRI SureScan Pacing System delivers standard pacing therapy in patients who have slow heart rates (bradycardia). Unlike other pacemakers, the Revo MRI SureScan Pacing System continues to function normally through an MRI scan, if certain conditions are met. This device is therefore labeled "MR Conditional" and is the first pacing system to receive the label.

The magnetic forces in MRIs may interfere with traditional pacemakers, causing them to speed up or slow down. The Revo MRI pacing system, when programmed into SureScan mode prior to an MRI scan, is designed to function normally throughout the scan.

"Medical imaging and electronic implantable devices such as pacemakers are important technological advances, particularly for older people," said Brett Burgess, M.D., chairman of the department of cardiology at MUMC. "Memorial is proud to provide safer access to MRI for our patients. We encourage our patients to talk to their doctor about which pacing system is right for them."
The number of patients with pacemakers is growing at the same time that the use of MRI is increasing. About 40 million MRI scans are performed annually in the United States. The procedure is often preferred by physicians because it provides a level of detail and clarity not offered by other imaging machines. More than 200,000 patients annually in the U.S. have to forego an MRI scan because they have a pacemaker.

Developed by Medtronic (NYSE: MDT), the Revo MRI SureScan pacing system is the first pacing system of its kind in the U.S. Medtronic received FDA approval for this technology on February 8, 2011. For more information about Revo MRI go to www.medtronic.com/patient/revomri.

Memorial University Medical Center is a two-state healthcare organization serving a 35-county area in southeast Georgia and southern South Carolina. The system includes its flagship hospital, a 530-bed academic medical center; Memorial primary and specialty physician networks; a major medical education program; business and industry services; and NurseOne, a 24-hour call center. To learn more, visit www.memorialhealth.com. You can follow us at facebook.com/memorialhealth, twitter.com/mymemorial, and youtube.com/memorialhealth.

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