Saint Vincent Hospital offers one of the world’s smallest pacemakers

Saint Vincent Hospital is now offering patients access to the Micra™ AV Transcatheter Pacing Systems (TPS), one of the world’s smallest pacemakers. The Micra AV is a leadless pacemaker option for patients who only require pacing in the right ventricle.

Comparable in size to a large vitamin, the Micra AV is less than one-tenth the size of traditional pacemakers but is designed to deliver advanced pacing technology to patients via a minimally invasive approach with a lower risk of long-term complications compared to a traditional pacemaker. During the implant procedure, the device is attached to the heart with small tines and delivers electrical impulses that pace the heart through an electrode at the end of the device.

Unlike traditional pacemakers, Micra does not require leads or a surgical ‘pocket’ under the skin, reducing potential sources of complications.

“Micra’s miniaturized size and minimally invasive approach should leave no visible sign or physical reminder of a medical device under the skin. This can mean fewer post-implant activity restrictions and no obstructions to shoulder movement, allowing patients to get back to living their lives more quickly,” explains Dr. Shah, Saint Vincent Hospital Cardiac Electrophysiologist.

This procedure gives another option for patients who develop symptoms from a slow heart rate. Patients who require pacing mostly from the bottom chamber of the heart are good candidates for leadless pacemakers. Most of these patients have permanent atrial fibrillation and have good heart pump function.