Seven-Year-Old Leadless Pacemaker Retrieved in Regional First

Aajtalkss,kolkata:CK Birla Hospitals’ BM Birla Heart Research Centre has achieved a major milestone in advanced cardiac care with the successful extraction of a leadless pacemaker that had been implanted for more than seven years, followed by the implantation of a next-generation Aveir VR leadless pacemaker. The original device, implanted in 2018, was safely retrieved in a highly complex and carefully executed procedure led by Dr. Anil Mishra, Director of Cardiology, marking the world’s first documented case of removing a leadless pacemaker after such a prolonged duration. This accomplishment is also the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, including India, representing a significant breakthrough in the field of cardiac electrophysiology. Leadless pacemakers are designed to reduce complications associated with conventional transvenous systems, but their extraction after long-term implantation presents considerable technical challenges, making this achievement particularly noteworthy. The seamless retrieval of the old device and successful implantation of the new-generation system underscore the hospital’s clinical expertise, advanced infrastructure, and commitment to delivering cutting-edge cardiac solutions, further strengthening its leadership in managing highly complex cardiac device procedures.