Biotronik, one of the world's leading manufacturers of cardio- and endo-voascular medical devices, has announced CE approval of 3 tesla MRI scanning with exclusion zone for its two latest generations of pacemakers. Biotronik is now the only company offering both implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and pacemakers approved for 3 T scans.

Roughly between 20-30 per cent of all MRI scanners installed worldwide are 3 T. However, sales of these are growing three times faster than those of 1.5 T scanners.

"The benefits of 3 T MRI scanners are clear," commented Dr. Maurizio Lunati, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy. "3 T scanners offer superior image quality, as well as a shorter scan time compared to a 1.5 T machine. Patients with ProMRI devices enabling 3 T scans benefit from a shorter time spent in the sometimes uncomfortable MRI machine, while doctors benefit from clearer images to diagnose conditions. Reduced scan times can improve clinical work flow, granting more patients access to this vital diagnostic tool."

ProMRI System Check allows physicians to verify whether a patient's individual Biotronik device and lead combination is MR conditional, and under which scanning conditions. It is now available in five languages: English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

"Along with the development of tools like the ProMRI System Check website, our continued effort to gain MRI approval for all our devices and leads demonstrates Biotronik's commitment to serving patients and physicians. As 3 T MRI scanners become more and more prevalent, it is essential that device patients are able to access them," stated Manuel Ortega, senior vice president of Biotronik.

"Through innovation and diligence we have developed the world's largest portfolio of ProMRI devices. We are pleased to expand our existing portfolio of approved ICDs and pacemakers by gaining CE approval for 3 T MRI scanning for the latest pacemaker generations."

Biotronik ProMRI technology enables patients with a pacemaker, implantable defibrillator or cardiac monitor to undergo MRI scans. Biotronik has the broadest portfolio of cardiac devices approved for use in the MR environment on the market, and is the only company to allow heart failure patients with CRT devices to take advantage of MRI. ProMRI technology grants cardiac device patients access to 1.5 T or 3.0 T MRI scans, allowing physicians to select the best choice for an optimal diagnostic outcome.