Sorin Group to use Greatbatch’s MRI-safe technology in cardiac
devices
21 May 2008
The Sorin Group (MIL:SRN) has announced that it intends to use
technology from Greatbatch Inc., (NYSE: GB) to accelerate its programme
to make its cardiac rhythm management (CRM) systems MRI compatible.
Catherine Picard, vice-president of Research & Development at Sorin
Group said: “We are very excited by the opportunity to leverage
Greatbatch’s eM-able technology to accelerate our MRI program and
deliver MRI conditional systems to patients and physicians worldwide in
the shortest possible time.”
Many patients implanted with a pacemaker or a defibrillator (ICD)
cannot take advantage of an MRI scan, because the strong magnetic fields
in the scanner can change how a device controls the heart, damage the
device or injure the heart tissue surrounding it.
MRI Conditional approved devices are critical to allow patients with
active implantable medical devices (AIMDs) to safely have an MRI for
diagnostic evaluation.
“As we see more patients receive AIMD’s the need for MRI conditional
devices will continue to grow,” said Mauricio Arellano, senior vice
president of Greatbatch’s CRM & Neuromodulation business. “This
potential partnership with Sorin Group would meet that demand by
securing our technology in their next generation devices.”
John Farrell, vice-president of Greatbatch’s Therapy Delivery
business, added: “There has been extensive research and technology
development on eM-able, and we are excited to get moving on our first
commercialization program that will bring the technology to market,
improving patient safety.”