Transforming Veteran Care One Heartbeat at a Time

Dual chamber leadless pacemakers offer several advantages over traditional models, including a significantly smaller size and a reduced risk of complications. The procedure for implantation is minimally invasive, which enhances patient comfort. 

These devices are particularly advantageous for individuals at high risk of infections, those with limited venous access, or patients who have experienced issues with conventional pacemakers in the past.

Traditional pacemakers work by being implanted under the skin, usually in the chest with leads (wires) that are threaded through the veins into the heart. While this procedure is widely practiced and generally effective, it is not without risks. The wires can fracture, dislodge, get infected or cause vein blockages and replacements can be challenging.

With dual chamber leadless pacemakers, we can significantly reduce complications associated with traditional devices. These innovative pacemakers are entirely self-contained, incorporating the battery, electrodes, and electronics within a single capsule that is inserted directly into the heart through a catheter inserted via the femoral vein in the groin. This pacemaker uses two capsules to “talk” to each other to keep the upper and lower chambers in sync. This approach eliminates the need for chest incisions and avoids the use of leads and pockets, which are the primary sources of complications in traditional pacemaker systems.

“The introduction of this procedure offers the patient the benefit of pacing the heart in a more natural way for qualifying patients.  We believe this significantly expands the options for artificial cardiac pacing for our Veterans,” said Dr. Ramil Goel the cardiologist that performed the surgery at the Malcom Randall VAMC. 

For more information on the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, please visit https://www.va.gov/north-florida-health-care/locations/malcom-randall-d….