St Jude Medical’s Accent MRI device receives first UK use

St Jude Medical has announced that its new Accent MRI pacemaker system has been utilised in a clinical setting in the UK for the first time.

The device was implanted alongside the Tendril MRI lead at the Heart Hospital in London by Dr Edward Rowland, allowing the recipient to benefit from MRI conditional scanning capabilities.

Traditionally, pacemaker patients have been unable to undergo MRI scans due to concerns it would affect the safety of the device, but the new Accent MRI system allows full-body scanning without restrictions.

It also incorporates other features to simplify patient management, including AutoCapture Pacing System technology and an MRI Activator device for simplified programming.

Paul Turner, vice-president for St Jude Medical in the UK, Ireland and Canada, said: "We are very pleased to offer this innovative technology to London's Heart Hospital as well as other centres."

The company has also recently announced new data from a medical study that shows the benefits of its deep brain stimulation technology in treating patients suffering from severe depression.