Community Healthcare System electrophysiologists are the first in Northwest Indiana to implant a new tiny pacemaker that requires no incision or skin pocket and has no lead.
Need an MRI? No problem.
The new FDA-approved Medtronic MicraTM leadless pacemaker is the world’s smallest pacemaker designed to treat bradycardia or slow heartbeat. Comparable to the size of a large everyday vitamin, the Micra Transcatheter Pacing System is approved for safe use with MRI technology.
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“Community Healthcare System electrophysiologists have a deep commitment to delivering the latest, most state-of-the-art treatments available for heart rhythm disorders,” says Wassim Ballany, MD, an electrophysiologist on staff at Community Hospital in Munster.
At less than 1/10th the size of traditional pacemakers, the Micra Transcatheter Pacing System is delivered directly into the heart through a catheter inserted in the large femoral vein of the leg. The Micra pacemaker is attached to the heart with small prongs, securing the device, which delivers electrical pulses as needed to pace the heart.
Bradycardia can be serious if the heart doesn’t pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body. It may occur from congenital heart disease, the natural aging process, side effects from some heart medications or electrical malfunctions.
Electrophysiologist Samer Ajam, MD, who performs the procedure at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart and St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, says electronic implantable devices such as pacemakers and medical imaging are important technological advances, particularly in older, more ill patients.
“Micra was designed, tested and approved to be used safely with MRI scanners,” Ajam says. “This offers advantages to doctors and their patients who may need to undergo an MRI. We can now offer patients the world’s tiniest pacemaker that doesn’t have any leads crossing the blood stream and heart valves, and it’s ‘future-proof’ in case an MRI may be needed in the future.”
For more information about new devices and surgical techniques offered by Community Healthcare System hospitals, visit comhs.org. To find a cardiologist or electrophysiologist on staff, call 219-836-3477 or toll-free 866-836-3477.