A 69-year-old patient was indicated for pacemaker implantation due to the symptoms associated with slow heartbeat. However, as the patient has been on chronic dialysis for years because of the extreme renal failure, the use of a classical pacing system with electrodes placed in the veins could be problematic. The patient already has a dialysis fistula and more may need to be placed in the future. The vascular system in such patient requires special protection. Therefore, an electrodeless pacemaker was the preferred option.
Micra™ AV is the world's smallest pacemaker with atrioventricular (AV) synchrony. The latest generation Micra AV has been enhanced with the option to adjust the pacing rate to the heart's own electrical activity. As a result, it can be used to treat patients with atrioventricular block, which involves disturbances in the conduction of electrical impulses between the heart’s chambers (atria and ventricles). Until now, such patients have been treated with a standard pacing system, consisting of a much larger battery and long leads inserted into the veins and cavities of the heart.
The new technology offers a lower risk of early and distant complications, and is especially dedicated to patients with vascular problems (e.g. dialysis patients).
The Department of Electrocardiology team that performed this innovative procedure: Prof. Marcin Grabowski, Marcin Michalak, MD, PhD, Dorota Dużyńska, MD, Dorota Świątek, MD, Małgorzata Kotowicz, MD, Elżbieta Świętoń, MD.
