Dr. Dilip Mathew is now implanting the innovative MICRA Medtronic Pacemaker. This remarkable device can be used in some of the same situations as older pacemakers, but it offers many features and benefits that deliver exceptional results for patients.
What is the MICRA Medtronic Pacemaker?
The MICRA Medtronic Pacemaker is a revolutionary new design that is smaller, more effective, and less invasive than traditional pacemakers. It was approved for use in the U.S. by the FDA in April 2016, and it has already redefined the pacemaker experience for patients who have had the device implanted. It offers patients the benefit of having a pacemaker without the use of leads.
When compared to a traditional pacemaker, the MICRA Medtronic Pacemaker is 93% smaller. For visualization purposes, the size of the MICRA is similar to that of a large vitamin capsule that you would ingest orally. This makes it the smallest pacemaker that has been developed so far, meaning it can be inserted directly into the heart’s ventricle.
When is the MICRA Medtronic Pacemaker used?
Like conventional pacemakers, the MICRA Medtronic Pacemaker uses electrical impulses delivered via an electrode to control the heart rate. Pacemakers are often used to treat the conditions known as bradycardia and tachycardia, or a resting heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute or higher than 100 beats per minute, respectively. Pacemakers are also often helpful in treating arrhythmias as they can restore the natural rhythm of the heart through electrical impulses.
The MICRA Medtronic Pacemaker is suitable for patients who need a ventricular pacemaker, which is sometimes known as a single chamber pacemaker. Most patients who are good candidates for a ventricular pacemaker, and are able to undergo heart catheterization procedures should be eligible to receive the MICRA Medtronic Pacemaker.
What are the benefits of this method over other pacemakers?
Because of its small size, the MICRA Medtronic Pacemaker can be secured directly into the heart’s right ventricle through a catheter that is inserted in the leg. This makes the procedure much less invasive than a traditional pacemaker implant. It is also a lead-less procedure, thereby eliminating some common lead-related complications such as insulation breaches and fractures.
Overall, the results of a global trial indicated that 48% fewer major complications occurred when implanting the MICRA Medtronic Pacemaker as opposed to traditional pacemakers. Patients who receive the MICRA Medtronic Pacemaker can undergo an MRI, pass through airport security, and operate most household appliances with the device implanted.
If you or a loved one are living with a heart rhythm disorder such as atrial fibrillation, contact Heart Rhythm Consultants. Dr. Dilip Mathew is board certified in Cardiology & Cardiac Electrophysiology and has been serving patients in Sarasota and surrounding cities including Venice, Tampa and Sun City Center for over a decade.
