Making medical history in KwaZulu-Natal last week, cardiologist and electrophysiologist Dr Brian Vezi inserted the world's tiniest, leadless pacemaker – 93% smaller than older devices – into a man’s heart at the Lenmed eThekwini Hospital and Heart Centre.
Under the proctorship of cardiologist and electrophysiologist Professor Ashley Chin, Vezi successfully implanted the minute Micra pacemaker, which has a battery life of eight to 13 years, into the heart of a patient in his 60s, reports IOL.
Micra leaves no bump under the skin like older pacemakers and is implanted through a vein using a catheter inserted into the groin, which drastically reduces scarring and recovery time.
Traditionally, pacemakers are implanted through an incision in the upper chest.
A surgeon inserts an insulated wire, known as a lead, into through the vein and into the heart before the device is connected and programmed. Once placed beneath the skin, the doctor tests the pacemaker and when it is functioning correctly, the incision is closed.
With the Micra, the device is inserted via a catheter through the upper leg and once the catheter system moves the Micra into the right ventricle of the heart, it is placed against the heart wall, secured with flexible tines, tested to ensure it’s fully operational before the catheter system is removed.
Chin said they were pleased with the result, and that “this will be the way to go when treating certain patients”.
He said while the Micra served the same purpose as older pacemakers, it is leadless and looks better aesthetically.
Vezi added that it also helps in combating infection, “which was an issue in this particular patient so he is less likely to have infection with the Micra”. It can also help with other patients with poor venous access, particularly patients on chronic dialysis where another procedure is not a possibility, then this device is the best option.
“This means a lot to us as it is in line with our vision to be the leading health-care facility in KZN. Along with our accreditation from the American College of Cardiology that we have just received, the only hospital on the African continent to be accredited, we are extremely proud to have a medical first for the province, performed at our facility,” said the hospital’s CEO Niresh Bechan.
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