In a First in Chennai, Non-Invasive Leadless Pacemaker implanted in a 60-year-old at Fortis Hospital Malar

The cardiac team headed by Dr. Babu Ezhumalai at Fortis Malar Hospital, Adyar have successfully implanted the first dual-chamber leadless permanent pacemaker (Micra AV) through a non-surgical procedure in two elderly patients. Timely treatment by the expert doctor provided a new lease of life to the 60-year-old patient who was suddenly diagnosed with cardiac issues and was suffering from other comorbidities such as COVID pneumonia, diabetes, hypertension, renal failure and had been on dialysis too.

The 60-year-old patient was brought to Fortis Malar Hospital at Adyar in a critical condition with heart attack and low heart rate. He was also suffering from renal failure and was diagnosed COVID positive too. Since the patient has also been under dialysis the expert team had to identify a solution that would not affect the ongoing dialysis process. They concluded for a dual-chamber leadless pacemaker that can be implanted to the patient during dialysis and on blood thinner medication. The patient was briefed on the benefits of a leadless pacemaker over the conventional pacemaker with lead. The medical team led by Dr. Babu Ezhumalai implanted the dual chamber leadless pacemaker through a non-surgical procedure successfully.

The second case was that of a 92-year-old man who was implanted with dual chamber leadless permanent pacemaker. The patient was presented with very low heart rate of 33 beats per minute and episodes of fainting. The implantation procedure lasted for approximately 30 minutes; he became ambulant and got discharged 24 hours after the procedure. He is now able to carry out his daily tasks smoothly. In addition to dual chamber leadless pacemakers, many single chamber leadless pacemakers (Micra VR) have been implanted by Dr. Babu Ezhumalai at Fortis Malar Hospital since 2019. The youngest person to undergo single chamber leadless permanent pacemaker procedure was a young lady at 31 years of age with complex congenital heart disease.