MED-EL announced the launch of its all-new diametric magnet with S-Vector technology. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved S-Vector magnet is a feature of SYNCHRONY 2 cochlear implants that ship starting March 16.

Related article: MED-EL Says Implant Magnets Safe to Use During MRI

The unique S-Vector magnet for SYNCHRONY 2 is reportedly “25% stronger than the first-generation magnet,” according to MED-EL. A stronger magnet is said to be “ideal for active recipients with off-the-ear single-unit audio processors like RONDO 3.” Despite increased magnetic strength, there are no changes to existing MRI scanning instructions, says MED-EL. The S-Vector magnet also has the same small MRI artifact as the first-generation magnet. 

MRI scans with the S-Vector magnet are covered by MED-EL’s MRI Guarantee. MED-EL is “the only manufacturer to offer its users a comprehensive global lifetime MRI guarantee ensuring that the magnet stays in place during an MRI scan and is not damaged, nor does it dislocate or demagnetize.*”

The S-Vector magnet is now available in SYNCHRONY 2 implants that feature MED-EL‘s FLEX electrode portfolio.** Engineered to protect cochlear structural integrity, MED-EL’s atraumatic FLEX electrode arrays feature ultra-flexible, wave-shaped wires and a tapered tip for reduced rigidity. The large selection of FLEX electrodes “helps ensure each recipient receives the best possible array to fit their unique cochlear anatomy.”

“Over the past 25 years, we have continuously developed cutting-edge magnet designs to tackle the issue of MRI compatibility and hearing implants for our recipients,” said Raymond Gamble, President & CEO, MED-EL North America. “We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve further advanced our magnet design and have now made the second generation available to the US market.”

“A stronger implant magnet results in a stronger holding force, providing outstanding flexibility in finding the ideal fit with the user‘s audio processor,” said Martin Zimmerling, head of implant development at MED-EL. “The S-Vector provides more holding force and provides a great option for adapting to the user’s individual needs. This gives our recipients peace of mind knowing their audio processors will stay securely in place while benefiting from the industry-leading MRI features for which MED-EL’s cochlear implants are known around the world.”

For more information about MED-EL’s innovative technology, visit: www.medel.com. 

*The S-Vector magnet is optionally removable if it is necessary to image the area immediately surrounding the implant. Recipients with a SYNCHRONY 2 or SYNCHRONY Cochlear Implant may be safely MRI scanned at 1.5, and 3.0 Tesla following the conditions detailed in the instructions for use. MED-EL Implants with S-Vector magnet are MR Conditional. All conditions for safe MRI scanning can be found on: https://www.medel.com/en-us/important-safety-information.

More information about MRI and Cochlear Implants can be found at: https://www.medel.com/en-us/hearing-solutions/cochlear-implants/mri-and-cochlear-implants.

**The S-Vector magnet is not currently available in FLEX20

Source: MED-EL

Image: MED-EL