Medtronic receives EU approval for new pacing system

Medtronic has been granted European CE Mark accreditation for its new Ensura MRI SureScan pacing system, which allows patients with pacemakers to undergo MRI scans.

The second-generation product, which has been designed, tested and approved for use in conjunction with MRI machines, has now been ratified for sale in a number of European nations.

According to Medtronic, around two million Europeans currently have implanted pacemakers, devices which traditionally prevent patients from undergoing MRI scans for illnesses such as cancer, due to the risk of the pacemaker interfering with the machine.

However, this is not the case with the SureScan range, which means that patients can access full body scans without any accompanying positioning restrictions.

Pat Mackin, president of the cardiac rhythm disease management business and senior vice-president at Medtronic, explained: “Half of the world’s pacemaker implants are from Medtronic and physicians say the number one unmet need is MRI compatibility.”

Last week, Medtronic announced the launch of the Midas Rex Legend EHS Stylus Touch, a high-speed electric surgical drill which offers versatile functionality and a range of control options.