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Abu Dhabi: Leadless pacemaker successfully implanted in Emirati patient with life-threatening slow heart rate

by Prerna

February 10, 2023 20

An Emirati patient suffering from a life-threateningly slow heart rate has been successfully implanted with a leadless cardiac pacemaker at a hospital in Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) used the newly launched technique approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last year.
“I opted for the leadless cardiac pacemaker since our patient suffers from multiple medical problems that could present an increased risk of complications if a conventional cardiac pacemaker were to be used,” said Dr Mario Njeim, consultant cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist, SSMC.
The pacing system corrects the patient’s slow heart rhythm, or bradycardia, by generating electrical pulses that prompt the heart to beat normally.
“This particular new type of leadless pacemaker is unique as it can map and analyse the best possible location to implant the pacemaker in the heart prior to having the device fixated in its final position. It offers an improved battery life that can last up to 20 years,” Dr Njeim noted.
“It also has a unique feature that allows pairing with another leadless device that could be implanted if ever needed in the future to allow communications between different chambers in the patient’s heart. It can also be retrieved should the therapy require an update or should it need replacement.”
The device was implanted through a minimally invasive procedure that did not require a surgical incision and was instead introduced through a tube inserted into a blood vessel in the groin and attached to the heart.
Minimally invasive and leadless
According to Cleveland Clinic, traditional pacemakers require an incision to implant a power generator placed under the skin near the collarbone, which then connects to wires that are stretched through veins and attached to the heart muscle.
The hospital said on its website that studies have shown that up to one in six patients will experience a complication with this type of pacemaker over a three-year period, most commonly bleeding or infection in the surgical pocket or dislodgement, fracture or blood clots around the wires.
Leadless pacemakers are miniaturised devices implanted using a catheter in the thigh vein and then implanted directly into the heart.
Unlike traditional pacemakers, leadless pacemakers do not require an incision in the chest to implant the device or cardiac leads to deliver therapy.
The device has a unique mapping capability designed to allow physicians to measure electrical signals within the heart and determine the correct placement of the device before final implantation, Abbot said.
Pricer but lasts longer
In the UAE, the Aveir VR pacemaker costs around Dh70,000, said Dr Mjady. It is the smallest one of its kind in the world and is supported by a battery that lasts up to 25 years.
“Similar pacemakers that were available before cost Dh25,000 and the battery lasts between five to eight years,” he said.
He said Abbot had chosen the hospital to become a training centre for doctors from across the world, including Europe.
“Doctors from Italy and France have already approached Al Qassimi hospital and have booked training appointments in January,” he added.
“After completing their training, they will get certificates accredited by the Emirates Health Services and Abbot to perform the procedures at their own health facilities.”
“Leadless pacemakers do not require insulated wires, or cardiac leads, to deliver energy to the heart which eliminates the risk of infections seen with conventional pacemakers,” said Dr Njeim.