Pacemaker Update!

[Catnut]

I THOUGHT THIS ARTICLE MAY BE OF INTEREST, TO PEOPLE WHO ARE CONTEMPLATING HAVE A PACEMAKER FITTED?

Vale University Health Board fits first leadless pacemaker in Wales

Cardiologists at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (UHB) have fitted a leadless pacemaker for the first time in Wales. The groundbreaking

procedure, performed on a 63-year-old patient, took just 50 minutes and was carried out under

local anaesthetic by a single operator. There were no complications, and the patient was discharged the following day.

[Jajarunner]

It's amazing what they can do these days!!

[Tapanac]

gosh both my husband and I have pacemakers and mine a 2 lead only took 15 minutes to put in. Hubby’s took 20 minutes as he has a 3 lead

It must be great to have leadless as no worries about the not lifting arms for so many weeks or leads coming loose although to be fair not heard of that happening to anyone we know

So great to know medical knowledge is getting better Wish they could do more for cancer

I wonder if any other hospitals perform this procedure

Thank you for posting this

[Catnut in reply to Tapanac]

You’re very welcome! ❤️

[CDreamer]

It has been a long time in development. The original concept was imagined in the 1970’s. They showed the prototype at Patient Day about 10 years ago when they were still seeking approval for clinical trials. I have to say I had some reservations about it and they still had a many issues to resolve. My first reaction was - not sure I would want that sitting in my heart.I spoke with the rep for some time and I was told that it was devised in particular for people who needed 3 lead as the LV lead is notoriously difficult to place well and is prone to detach.

There are currently 2 devices approved by FDA, the first device in UK was implanted last Nov at Liverpool Heart and Chest. There are disadvantages - currently when the battery runs out they would transfer to a lead system.

Personally I would stick to the lead system unless I had limited life prognosis.

[CDreamer]

PS - first implant was 2018 in Hawaii

NICE guidelines about who qualifies expected to be issued May 2025