Mini pacemaker has no wires

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- As we age, the electrical pulses that keep our heart beating normally can start to slow down, causing our hearts rates to slow or even take long pauses in-between beats. Traditionally, surgeons implant a pacemaker into the chest to help the heart.

Now, cardiac experts are testing an experimental device designed to eliminate major surgery and still keep the heart on track.

Tom Brubaker, 73, checks his blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse several times a day.

"If it's high, that tells me I'm in A-Fib," Brubaker told ABC30.

Atrial fibrillation means his heart is pausing. However, a miniature device automatically put his heart back in rhythm.

In May, surgeons implanted a leadless mini pacemaker in Brubaker's heart as part of a clinical trial.

"The device is so small we're able to implant via the femoral vein in the leg, into the right ventricle of the heart," Andrew Voigt, MD, Cardiac Electrophysiologist, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, told ABC30.

Four tines on the tip of the pacemaker hook into the heart muscle. If the heart is out of rhythm, the device automatically generates an electrical pulse. Unlike a traditional pacemaker, there are no wires needed.

"The leadless pacemaker eliminates what traditionally has been the weakest link in the pacemaker system, which is the wire," Dr. Voigt explained.

"I told people I just got a new pacemaker put it in my heart," Brubaker said.

Since he didn't need a large incision, Brubaker was back on his feet quickly. He was happy to spend a sunny day outdoors.

Like traditional pacemakers, the leadless mini pacemaker is designed to be permanent. Dr. Voigt says the batteries on the mini pacemaker are projected to last for about 5 to 10 years, but the device is so small, doctors intend to implant a second device next to the first once the original wears out.

For more information on this report, please contact:

Rick Pietzak
Media Relations Manager
pietzakr@upmc.edu
412-864-4151