We know that tiny triple-A batteries can power sophisticated gadgets like portable speakers and digital cameras. Now imagine an even tinier device powering the human heart to beat steadily.
Latest-generation pacemakers are leadless, miniaturized, minimally-invasive and retrievable. What do these terms mean and how does this technology impact the future of heart health?
A pacemaker is a cardiac device that helps to manage conditions like bradycardia (a type of arrhythmia), in which the heart’s electrical signals become irregular, causing it to beat too slowly. It typically has two components: a pulse generator, or a “battery” placed just under the person’s skin near the collarbone, to stimulate the heart to beat faster, and leads or wires inserted through a vein to connect the battery to the heart. By stabilizing the pace of the heartbeat, a pacemaker alleviates symptoms like chest pain, palpitations and discomfort, bringing relief to patients with heart rhythm disorders.
The heart of cutting edge technology
Over the years, pacemakers have become smaller and sleeker, with improvements in battery life, pacing algorithms and lead quality. However, they have faced a crucial drawback: the battery and leads carry the risk of displacement, fracture and infection that can lead to severe cardiac complications. In an effort to navigate these pitfalls, cardiovascular innovations have made cutting edge leadless pacemaker possible — a miniaturized device that can be implanted directly into the right ventricle of the heart, to stimulate it (called single-chamber pacing).
A seamless part of the heart
The latest-generation leadless pacemaker eases the care of patients with slower-than-normal heart rates. The compact size of this device makes implantation significantly simpler. Unlike traditional pacemakers, it requires no chest incision and is inserted into the heart using a catheter.
The device has unique capabilities designed for detailed mapping prior to fixation that gives surgeons a clear picture of the patient’s anatomy, allowing them to implant the device with precision. During catheter insertion, it is covered with a protective sleeve that makes navigation through blood vessels smoother and minimizes the risk of injury.
As the patients’ recovery time gets significantly reduced, they can return home and resume their normal lives sooner and with fewer restrictions than they would have in the case of an invasive surgical procedure. The pacemaker effortlessly becomes a part of the heart, leaving no physical reminders or enduring visible signs, like scars or a bulge. The device is designed to be retrieved if the person’s therapy evolves.
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A key aspect of the advanced leadless pacemaker is its ability to ensure patients’ long-term safety. This next generation cardiac rhythm management technology is a promise to keep pace with the evolving needs of the heart.
“Leadless Pacemakers are the future of pacing. With new cutting-edge technologies coming to India, doctors can provide solutions that are more patient centric,” says Dr. Arun Gopi, Director, Cath Lab & Senior Consultant Interventional Cardiologist & Electrophysiologist at Metromed International Cardiac Centre, Calicut, India. He further says, “A device which can be retrieved after it’s battery is run out in case therapy needs evolve – is a huge significant advantage for patients enabling better outcomes and quality of life.”
Disclaimer: The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive /for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information.
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