Annual Advancements in Medicine Section
From minimally invasive surgical technologies to innovative appproaches to rehabiliation and beyond, new research in the medical field is optimizing care for patients and doctors alike. Read on to discover the latest in revolutionary treatment options.
This dual chamber leadless pacemaker system is the first of its kind.
Understanding Pacemakers
A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device that controls or increases an irregular or slow heartbeat, stimulating the heart as needed to keep it beating regularly. Nearly 80% of people who receive a pacemaker need a dual chamber option to pace both chambers of the heart. While leadless pacemakers have historically been limited to single-chamber devices, recent advancements have provided a new dual chamber pacing option.
New Solutions
The dual chamber leadless pacemaker system is a cutting-edge option for patients in need of a pacemaker. Through new implant-to-implant technology, this pacemaker offers beat-to-beat communication between the two leadless pacemakers in both chambers of the heart. This system involves seamless, wireless synchronization of two leadless pacemakers and revolutionizes care for those with slow or irregular heart rhythms.
What to Expect
Receiving a pacemaker involves surgery, which typically lasts a few hours. Local anesthesia will be used to numb the insertion site. During the implantation procedure, a surgeon will place the leadless pacemakers into the heart using a thin, flexible tube called a catheter that guides the pacemakers through a blood vessel to their proper position. The devices will then be programmed to meet your heart rhythm needs.
Benefits to Patients
Unlike traditional pacemakers, leadless devices are implanted directly into the heart through a minimally invasive procedure and eliminate the need for cardiac leads. As a result, leadless pacemakers reduce the risk of lead-related complications and offers a less restrictive and shorter recovery period following surgery.
