MRI-safe external defibrillator that causes less muscle jolting
Official title: Non Magnetic MRI Conditional External Defibrillator with Reduced Skeletal Muscle Contraction
Funded at Coram Technologies, INC. · NIH-11256785 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | August 11, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,051,193 |
| NIH project number | 2R42HL166051-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11256785 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
People who never undergo MRI exams or whose cardiac arrests occur outside the MRI environment would not directly benefit from this device.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Coram Technologies, INC.
Pikesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Halperin, Henry R — Coram Technologies, INC.
- Study coordinator: Halperin, Henry R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Non-Magnetic MRI Defibrillator to Quickly Save Lives During MRI Scans
A new MRI-compatible defibrillator system aims to provide immediate life-saving shocks to patients having a cardiac arrest during MRI scans.
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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.