Remote programming of cardiac implantable devices is safe for MRI scan,
study suggests

Date:
May 4, 2022
Source:
University of Missouri-Columbia
Summary:
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 newly published
study reveals safe and effective reprogramming of these devices
is possible, even from a remote location.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
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 newly published study from the University
of Missouri School of Medicine reveals safe and effective reprogramming
of these devices is possible, even from a remote location.


========================================================================== Researchers 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." 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.

"We believe this technology will reduce unnecessary use of health care resources and manpower," Gautam said. "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." Gautam said future studies are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy
of remote programming in larger patient populations, with different
vendors and more diverse settings.

Gautam's co-authors include principal investigator Sisir Siddamsetti,
MD, cardiology fellow; and Alexander Shinn, DO, medical resident.


========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Missouri-Columbia. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Sisir Siddamsetti, Alexander Shinn, Sandeep Gautam. Remote
programming of
cardiac implantable electronic devices: A novel approach to
program cardiac devices for magnetic resonance imaging. Journal
of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology, 2022; 33 (5): 1005 DOI:
10.1111/jce.15434 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220504110421.htm

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