Medtronic’s Activa DBS systems now compatible with full-body MRI scans

Medtronic has announced that its Activa portfolio of deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy neurostimulators have been approved for use with full-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

The devices have received European regulatory approval for MR Conditional full-body MRI procedures, an expanded approval that applies to all patients receiving a new system and to an estimated 13,000 people in Europe already receiving Medtronic DBS therapy.

Medtronic DBS systems have previously been approved for MRI scans of the head only, under limited conditions. Previously, patients receiving an MRI scan had their DBS systems turned off before the scan.

Existing Activa DBS systems were rigorously tested and evaluated across millions of simulated patient scans, spanning over 38,000 unique implant conditions, to demonstrate patient safety and secure this approval.

Dr Lothar Krinke, vice-president and general manager of the brain modulation business at Medtronic, said: "Medtronic is proud to be the only company to offer DBS systems to patients across Europe allowing them access to full-body MRI technology."

The firm also received European CE Mark approval for its newly-developed Micra Transcatheter Pacing System, the world's smallest pacemaker, earlier this month.