What is a leadless pacemaker?
A leadless pacemaker is a small, self-contained device that is implanted directly into the heart to help regulate the heartbeat. Unlike traditional pacemakers, leadless pacemakers do not have leads that run from the device to the heart.
During the leadless pacemaker implantation procedure, a small incision is made in the groin or chest and the device is threaded through a catheter to the heart. The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia and mild sedation.
Who is it for?
Leadless pacemakers may be recommended for patients who require pacing therapy due to bradycardia (a slow heart rate) and who are unable to undergo traditional pacemaker implantation due to other health conditions or concerns about complications associated with the leads such as high risk of infection or due to lack of adequate access into the heart from the chest.
What to expect on the day?
Leadless pacemaker implantation is performed in a hospital under local anaesthesia and mild sedation. The procedure typically takes about 30-60 minutes.
During the procedure, the cardiologist will make a small incision in the groin or chest and thread a catheter through a blood vessel to the heart. The leadless pacemaker is then implanted directly into the heart using the catheter. Once in place, the device is programmed to regulate the heartbeat as needed.
After the procedure, patients will be monitored for a short period of time to ensure that there are no complications, such as bleeding or arrhythmia. Patients can usually go home the same day as the procedure but some may need to stay in hospital overnight for further observation.
Patients will be given instructions on how to care for the incision site and the leadless pacemaker, and will need to avoid strenuous activities for a short period of time. They will also need to have regular follow-up appointments with the cardiologist to ensure that the device is functioning properly.
Overall, leadless pacemaker implantation is a safe and effective way to regulate the heartbeat in patients with bradycardia who are unable to undergo traditional pacemaker implantation.