Lets differentiate other pacemaker devices
When we talk about pacemakers, we commonly refer to traditionally well-known types. The transvenous cardiac pacemaker, external pacemaker, and the cardiac pacemaker implant with lead extension. The former two are commonly used to restore the heart to a normal rhythm in emergency situations.
A new generation leadless pacemaker implant device, known as Micra AV is becoming popular among interventional cardiologist. This device is as small as a capsule and FDA approved for use. Let’s explore the advantages this little device offers.
Symptomatic bradyarrhythmia is a low heart rate usually <50bpm. It mostly can occur due to a silent myocardial infarction that then leads to AV block. The Micra AV transcatheter pacemaker implant is approved for when a permanent pacemaker is recommended.
Here are the features this device exhibits:
- It has a durable battery life that can last for 8 to 13 years.
- It has a small mass of 1.75g which makes it easy for implantation inside ventricular wall.
- By continuous atrial monitoring, it can pace the ventricle when needed.
- This device also maintains AV synchronous pacing in short periods of atrial undersensing.
- In cases of episodic AV block, it can switch to normal intrinsic rhythm on detecting normal AV conduction.
- It can automatically help to adjust to normal heart rate during physical activities.
- It is programmed to support remote monitoring.
- To certain extents, it is MRI friendly due to MRI SureScan quality.
- This device along with it comes also a smooth vessel navigation introducer and an integrated delivery catheter. Together, they work to ensure a controlled deflection and deployment of the implantable device.
Reported clinical evidence on Micra AV pacemaker
According to reports, this device when compared with other lead devices, has eliminated complications. These include: venous thrombosis, obstruction, and infections. There is also a reported high implant success rate of over 96%.