MRI-safe external defibrillator that causes less muscle jolting
Non Magnetic MRI Conditional External Defibrillator with Reduced Skeletal Muscle Contraction
A new defibrillator designed to be safe to use next to MRI scanners and to deliver shocks with less skeletal muscle contraction for patients who have a cardiac arrest during an MRI.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Coram Technologies, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pikesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11256785 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is building a defibrillator that won’t be attracted by the MRI magnet so it can be used right next to or inside the scanner area. The device uses non-magnetic components and a delivery method intended to reduce the strong muscle jerks that often follow a shock. By making defibrillation immediately available to MRI staff, it aims to cut the time between a cardiac arrest and treatment. The work includes engineering, lab safety testing, and steps toward clinical use at equipped hospitals.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The intended candidates are patients undergoing MRI scans—especially those under anesthesia or with known risk factors for arrhythmia—who might need an emergency defibrillation while in or near the scanner.
Not a fit: People who never undergo MRI exams or whose cardiac arrests occur outside the MRI environment would not directly benefit from this device.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could shorten time to shock during MRI emergencies, improving survival and reducing severe complications from delayed defibrillation.
How similar studies have performed: Some groups have developed MRI-compatible emergency equipment, but combining full MRI safety with technologies to reduce post-shock muscle contraction is relatively new and not yet widely proven.
Where this research is happening
Pikesville, United States
- Coram Technologies, INC. — Pikesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Halperin, Henry R — Coram Technologies, INC.
- Study coordinator: Halperin, Henry R
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.