Medtronic’s Canadian subsidiary has launched its new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conditional cardiac resynchronisation therapy defibrillators (CRT-Ds) in the country after receiving Health Canada licence.

Designed to address heart failure, the Medtronic Amplia MRI Quad CRT-D SureScan and Compia MRI Quad CRT-D SureScan devices can now be used for MRI scans on all body parts and do not have any positioning restrictions.

The new systems feature quadripolar technology to optimise CRT delivery for improved outcomes and to provide various options for heart failure patients.

Amplia MRI Quad CRT-D includes the AdaptivCRT algorithm intended to minimise the risk of heart failure hospital readmission, improve CRT response rate and decrease atrial fibrillation (AF) risk.

The system also allows multipoint pacing and facilitates simultaneous stimulation of two sites on the left ventricle.

"Our CRT-D class of devices provides a comprehensive range of options for physicians, and removes the barrier to MRIs for heart failure."

Medtronic Canada Cardiac and Vascular Group senior director Michael Blackwell said: “Our CRT-D class of devices provides a comprehensive range of options for physicians, and removes the barrier to MRIs for heart failure.

“Together with the rest of our proven MRI conditional portfolio, we continue delivering on our commitment to provide cardiac patients with the latest technology.”

The new CRT-Ds can be used in combination with the complete portfolio of Attain Perfoma MRI SureScan Quadripolar Leads that is also licenced for MRI scans.

Comprising 16 pacing configurations, the quadripolar leads are said to have demonstrated a decrease in phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS) incidence, which might lead to muscle twitching, hiccups or shortness of breath.