A Medical Device Daily

Greatbatch (Clarence, New York) reported that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued the company patent No. 7,363,090. The patent provides Greatbatch with the exclusive right to incorporate band-stop filtering technology into an implantable medical lead. This technology attenuates MRI-specific RF frequencies during MRI scanning, thereby eliminating the potential for lead system heating.

"This vital technology enables us to secure a strong position in the drive for MRI Conditional Active Implantable Medical Devices (AIMD)," said Mauricio Arellano, senior VP of Greatbatch's CRM & Neuromodulation business.

AIMD systems are primarily targeted for use in the cardiac rhythm management and neuromodulation markets.

Greatbatch is currently completing the development of its eM-able Brady (bradycardia) pacing lead, which incorporates the aforementioned technology and is expected to cross additional milestones this summer.

MRI Conditional products in AIMDs are a critical initiative for device manufacturers because an MRI is often the major diagnostic tool for patients. MRI Conditional AIMDs will keep the MRI diagnostic tool in the physician's hands after an implant – allowing patients to receive the greatest possible level of care.

Greatbatch will showcase its eM-able line of MRI Conditional technologies at this month's CardioStim meeting in Nice, France, and was an active exhibitor and presenter at last month's Heart Rhythm Society meeting in San Francisco.

Greatbatch is a manufacturer of critical products used in implantable medical devices for the cardiac rhythm management, neuromodulation, vascular and orthopedic markets.