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.”

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