AllianceHealth Midwest is now offering patients with bradycardia the world’s smallest pacemaker. At one-tenth the size of a traditional pacemaker, this smaller device does not require cardiac wires (leads) or a surgical “pocket” under the skin. Instead, the device is small enough to be delivered through a catheter and implanted directly into the heart, providing safe therapy while being cosmetically invisible. The first procedure at AllianceHealth Midwest was recently performed by interventional cardiologist, Asim Chohan, M.D.
“This fully programmable pacemaker has a battery life that is comparable to standard pacemakers of about 12 years,” stated Dr. Asim Chohan. “Implanting a pacemaker through a catheter is less invasive and has less complications associated with a standard pacemaker because there are no wires leading into the heart”
Patients with bradycardia are affected by a slow or irregular heart rhythm, usually fewer than 60 beats per minute. At this rate, the heart is unable to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body during normal activity or exercise, causing dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath or fainting spells. Pacemakers are the most common way to treat bradycardia to help restore the heart’s normal rhythm and relieve symptoms by sending electrical impulses to the heart to increase the heart rate.
AllianceHealth Midwest is an Accredited Chest Pain Center and offers a wide-range of cardiac services including outpatient care, interventional cardiology and cardiovascular surgery. To learn more about the cardiovascular capabilities at AllianceHealth Midwest, visit our heart care section.
