Dr Anish Bhuva, is the founder of Pace MRI, a Consultant Cardiologist at Barts Heart Centre and an Associate Professor at University College London.
Tell us about the innovation. What does it do, how does it help, who does it help and why is it important?
Pace-MRI is a pioneering innovation designed to enable patients with medical implants to safely undergo MRI scans. This benefits individuals requiring MRI for cancer, stroke, and other medical conditions who were previously restricted from accessing this critical diagnostic tool. By ensuring safe imaging, Pace-MRI improves diagnostic accuracy, optimises treatment plans, and enhances overall patient outcomes. This innovation is essential in bridging a significant gap in medical imaging accessibility.
Which health innovation networks have you been supported by?
We have been working with UCLPartners. They have provided excellent guidance on strategy, business case development, and engaging with customers. Working with UCLPartners has helped speed up the conversation with interested NHS partners, developing necessary models and facilitate implementation in individual services and regions.
What are the plans/next steps for this innovation?
We have demonstrated the safety and benefits of Pace-MRI in over 1,000 patients across three regions, leading to improved cancer diagnosis, treatment, and reduced hospital stays. The next step is to ensure the software is easily accessible, allowing NHS users to implement it efficiently.
What’s your biggest piece of learning from innovating in the NHS?
Although this product was developed by clinicians and end-users within the NHS, collaboration has been key to refining the concept, demonstrating a solid evidence base, and proving its benefits to stakeholders.
What are your hopes for the future?
Our ultimate goal is that all patients with pacemakers and other medical implants can have unrestricted access to MRI scans, just like any other patient.
What’s the best part of your job?
The variety and challenges of being a clinical academic, as well as the ability to translate innovative ideas into real-world practice, are what make my role so fulfilling.
What are your three pieces of advice for budding health innovators?
- Demonstrate an evidence-base.
- Engage with clinicians early.
- Be open and honest.
Learn more about MRI scanning with a heart implant
Dr Anish Bhuva, is the founder of Pace MRI, a Consultant Cardiologist at Barts Heart Centre and an Associate Professor at University College London. Tell us about the innovation. What does it do, how does it help, who does it help and why is it important? Pace-MRI is a pioneering innovation designed to enable patients [...]
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Anna King, Commercial Director at Health Innovation Network South London, identifies how FemTech is 'Accelerating Action' in UK healthcare and driving economic growth. In recent years, FemTech - the sector focused on women’s health and wellness technology - has gained significant traction globally. In the UK, this growing sector [...]
Richard Stubbs, Chair of the Health Innovation Network, and Chief Executive of Health Innovation Yorkshire and Humber, explores the pivotal role that innovation plays in supporting the Government's ambition to transform the NHS, and why a focus on the implementation of innovation is key. The Government's mandate to NHS England, published on 30 January 2025, [...]
