LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville patient is now the first in the city with a new type of pacemaker.
Norton Heart & Vascular Institute implanted the city's first dual chamber leadless pacemaker, according to a news release. It's unique because of the its size, absence of leads that connect the device to a controller and ability to implant it with a minimally invasive procedure.
According to a news release, the Aveir DR consists of two leadless pacemakers that are implanted into the upper and lower chambers of the heart. The pacemakers communicate with each other based on the person's needs to better regulate heart rhythm.
"A leadless pacemaker is unique technology that was only available for limited types of patients in the past," Dr. Sofya Kuznetsov, electrophysiologist, Norton Heart & Vascular Institute Heart Rhythm Center, said in a news release. "The ability to pace upper and lower chambers in sync was only available with conventional transvenous devices."
Kuznetsov said leadless pacemakers are smaller than an AAA battery and communicate wirelessly to control the heart's rhythm.
"They do not require a surgical incision and avoid potential complications associated with conventional pacemaker leads, such as infection or lead fractures," Kuznetsov said. "An additional benefit is quicker recovery and fewer mobility restrictions after the procedure."
Leadless pacemakers haven't allowed a dual chamber option, which was needed by nearly 80% of people needing that kind of treatment, Norton Healthcare said.
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