MedTech West

The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is rapidly increasing due to its image quality and absence of ionizing radiation. At the same time, implanted pacemakers and cardiac defibrillators are also getting more common. Unfortunately, these implanted devices are contraindicated for MRI examinations and their bearers must be examined with other imaging modalities.

The electromagnetic fields produced by the MR machine interact in several, potentially harmful, ways with the implanted
device. In particular, induced currents yield heating at the tip of the lead, i.e. the electrode which connects the implanted
device with the heart, which may cause burns.

Our aim is to develop an MR safe pacemaker lead which reduces the lead heating to safe levels. This project is performed together with St. Jude Medical.

Project leader: Mikael Persson