In 2026, Russian clinics will receive 1,000 MRI-compatible pacemakers, and by 2027, their production is planned to reach 5,000 devices per year. The production is being ramped up by Rostec's "Kardioelektronika" enterprise.
This refers to the Apollo MRI dual-chamber pacemaker, designed for patients with heart rhythm disorders. Its key feature is the ability to undergo magnetic resonance imaging, which expands diagnostic capabilities for people with implanted stimulators.
The transition to increased production is linked to plans to convert the production of dual-chamber stimulators to an MRI-compatible version. According to experts, these devices should account for at least 70% of the dual-chamber pacemaker market.
The device is implanted under the skin, monitors the heart rate and regularity, and stores data on heart function. This information allows the doctor to assess the patient's condition over time and adjust treatment if necessary.
MRI compatibility is especially important for patients who require magnetic resonance diagnostics after pacemaker implantation. According to Rostec, more than half of patients with implanted stimulators may need such an examination.
Apollo MRI in the context of Russian medical technology
Apollo MRI became the first domestic implantable device of this class with MRI compatibility. Its appearance fits into a broader import substitution program for medical technology: according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Russian manufacturers accounted for only about a quarter of the medical equipment market in 2023, and the production of complex implantable devices remained predominantly import-dependent.
Rostec, however, is not limited to pacemakers: in 2026, the corporation launched serial production of "CardioRobots" for resuscitation and brought the OncoCell Scan 3.0 oncological diagnostic complex to the market. A separate issue is working with tomographs: ITMO scientists created an experimental prototype of a portable MRI with a weak magnetic field, safe for patients with metal implants, but this device still needs to undergo trials and registration before clinical practice.