MRI-Compatible Pacemaker and Defibrillator

These devices allow patients that may require these therapies to undergo the MRI procedure safely when needed.

MRI's use a powerful magnetic field to produce detailed images of internal body organs. This magnetic field can disrupt the pacemaker or defibrillator's setting or cause the wires to overheat. With these MRI-compatible devices, the safety of a MRI scan is improved. 

At St. Joseph's Heart & Vascular Institute, our heart specialists are trained in this latest technology for selecting the best treatment options for their patients. 

Leadless Pacemaker

  • Unlike most pacemakers that are placed in the patient's chest with leads running to the heart, Micra (Medtronic) is implanted directly into the patient’s heart.
  • Less invasive — Micra is placed in the heart via a vein in the leg, thus no chest incision, scar, or bump that results from conventional pacemakers.
  • Self-contained — Micra is completely self-contained within the heart. It eliminates potential medical complications arising from a chest incision and from wires running from a conventional pacemaker into the heart.
  • Small — Micra is 93% smaller than conventional pacemakers, about the size of a large vitamin capsule.
  • For most patients, the Micra design translates to fewer medical complications and fewer post-implant activity restrictions.