Heart rhythm disorders, or arrhythmias, occur when the heart beats too fast tachycardia, too slow bradycardia, or irregularly. These disorders can significantly affect quality of life and, in some cases, pose a serious risk of stroke or sudden cardiac arrest. For patients suffering from symptomatic bradycardia, the standard and highly effective treatment remains the implantation of a pacemaker.
raditional and Minimally Invasive Pacemakers
Traditionally, pacemakers are implanted via a minimally invasive procedure where the device generator is placed under the skin near the collarbone, and insulated electrical leads are threaded through veins into the chambers of the heart (atrium and/or ventricle). This procedure is routine, safe, and allows the device to monitor heart activity and deliver small electrical impulses to regulate the rhythm when needed.
The Evolution to Leadless Technology
A major recent advancement is the introduction of the leadless pacemaker. This device represents the ultimate in minimally invasive technology. It is a self-contained unit, about the size of a large capsule, that is implanted directly into the right ventricle of the heart via a catheter inserted through the femoral vein (in the groin).
Because the leadless pacemaker eliminates the need for surgical pockets and the transvenous leads, it removes potential complications associated with those components, such as lead fracture, infection of the generator pocket, or venous obstruction. This innovative approach offers a faster recovery time and may be a superior option for specific patient populations, marking a significant step forward in the management of chronic bradycardia.
