Methodist Hospitals is an innovative institution that delves into the latest and greatest medical technology. Recently, the organization was the first hospital in Northwest Indiana to utilize MRI-Safe implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) for patients.
Before this, patients who had ICDs have been unable to receive MRI scans due to the possibility of the MRI scan’s magnetic field inhibiting the function of an ICD. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is the preferred method in soft-tissue imaging and is used to diagnose conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and bone, muscle, and joint pain.
The purpose of an ICD is to provide energy to the heart muscle when needed. It is implanted under the skin by the collarbone and it constantly monitors a person’s heart rhythm through thin wires that are connected to the heart. When an irregular or rapid heart rhythm is detected, it delivers an electric shock to the heart that brings the rhythm back to normal.
In late 2015 the FDA approved the Evera MRI™ SureScan® ICD System, the first MRI-compatible ICD, and shortly after it was approved, Dr. Sorin Lazar, a Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist with Methodist Hospitals performed the first surgery using the new device.
“I kept an eye out for this device,” Dr. Lazar said. “I spoke to the reps of the company that created this new ICD and they kept me informed.”
The recipient of the MRI-Safe ICD was 36-year-old Ernest Cook. Cook suffered from congestive heart failure, and his doctors told him that he needed to get a defibrillator, and since he will more than likely need an MRI in his lifetime, the MRI-Safe ICD was a perfect option.
“Our patients are very happy that they have this option,” Dr. Lazar said. “They do have the option to get the old ICD that isn’t MRI-compatible but we highly recommend that they get the MRI-compatible defibrillator.”
Dr. Lazar performs nearly all of the ICD implantation surgeries. He is very happy that he and the rest of the medical staff at Methodist Hospitals are able to help their patients in more ways every day.
“This is what we do every day. It’s part of our job here at Methodist Hospitals,” Dr. Lazar said. “It’s great that we have such innovative technology at our disposal so that we can provide even greater care for our patients.”