The FDA recently approved a new cardiac resynchronization defibrillator that allows patients to undergo full-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The new device is called BIOTRONIK’s Iperia ProMRI HF-T. Porter Regional Hospital is the first in the Greater Chicagoland Area to offer this device to patients; and according to BIOTRONIK, Scott Kaufman, D.O., Electrophysiologist at Porter Regional Hospital, was the first to implant the new device in the United States.
In the United States, more than five million Americans suffer from heart failure (HF). The condition occurs when the heart isn’t able to pump enough blood and oxygen to the rest of the body. Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) is used to treat the symptoms and complications associated with certain types of heart failure. CRT defibrillators assist the pumping chambers to beat in a coordinated manner, enabling the heart to beat properly.
Heart failure patients, often elderly and living with significantly diminished quality of life, are habitually struggling with additional health conditions that may require future medical intervention. Cardiac rhythm management devices that have been FDA approved for use during magnetic resonance imaging scans ensure patients have access to technology that provides accurate diagnosis of disease and illness.
Dr. Kaufman explained that heart failure patients often suffer from other health conditions and diseases; and MRI can be a very valuable diagnostic tool used by doctors to confirm conditions such as strokes, or brain bleeds, broken legs or hips, etc.
“Until recently, patients that were implanted with CRT devices may not be allowed to receive MRIs because they were contraindicated. We want to ensure our patients always have access to advanced technologies that provide accurate diagnosis and timely treatment,” said Dr. Kaufman. “This new device does exactly that. Patients who receive an Iperia HF-T device know their future healthcare options will not be compromised because of their cardiac device. Every patient deserves this peace of mind.”
Iperia ProMRI HF-T also provides automatic daily Home Monitoring transmission of data relevant to arrhythmic events and heart failure, as well as Closed Loop Stimulation Technology (CLS) that adapts the heart rate in response to physiological demands.
Patients interested in learning more about the Iperia ProMRI HF-T technology can contact Dr. Kaufman’s office at 219-983-6300.
Porter Health Care System has two hospital campuses and seven outpatient facilities serving Porter, Lake, LaPorte, Starke and Jasper counties. With more than 350 physicians representing 50 medical specialties, Porter Health Care System is committed to medical excellence and personalized, patient-centered care. Porter is directly or indirectly owned by a partnership that proudly includes physician owners, including certain members of the hospital’s medical staff.