FDA Approves the First Ever MRI-Safe Pacemaker

We've all heard of pacemakers. They are those little electromagnet devices which are implanted into peoples' chests to regulate their irregular heartbeats. And of course, many of us have heard of the complications which can result due to a pacemaker. According to this article from Time Magazine though, a pacemaker has finally been developed that might eliminate interference from other devices.

The main concern is with an MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The magnetic interference from the scan doesn't exactly mix with other magnetic devices; this results in overheating, device failure, and many other potential unpleasant outcomes. This device has a mode specifically meant to counteract the magnetic interference though. The only issue in knowing how well it works is that it hasn't been tested on a human torso yet, only on above the neck and lower back scans.

In the event that it does work though, this could be a huge breakthrough in medical assistance and even every day life for those with pacemakers. Being able to undergo and MRI will expedite the treatment process for many. And if it can be used for an MRI, surely it would make sense for the mode to be altered to allow for easy passage through xrays and metal detectors at airport security. The big questions still remain though; how well does it work, and just how far can its applications go?