SA doctors implant country's first tiny leadless pacemaker

In a first for South Africa, doctors here have made medical history with the implantation of a leadless pacemaker.

The procedure was performed at Netcare Unitas Hospital in November by cardiologist Dr Jean Vorster and electrophysiologist Dr Jane Moses.

The device is significantly smaller than traditional pacemakers.

Dr Vorster says the patient is doing well.

"I saw him recently; he's not even aware of the technology and what it does, which is exactly what it should be."

The AVEIR VR leadless pacemaker is small enough to fit entirely inside the lower right ventricle of the heart, which eliminates the need for wires, or leads, inserted through veins.

"It's smaller than a AAA battery," explains Vorster, adding that the technology has been available in Europe longer than it has been in South Africa.

"They've done a fair number of implants. We do lag behind with these types of technologies."

Vorster says it's great that the South African medical fraternity is embracing new technologies.

"This is a pacemaker that does not make use of any leads. We plug it directly into the heart muscle."

This new technology helps eliminate some of the complications sometimes associated with traditional pacemakers.

"Such as infection, the leads can dislodge, the leads can fracture because the heart is continuously moving."

A single device has a battery life of between 15 and 20 years, but Vorster admits that cost remains an issue.

"On average, the price of a standard single-chamber pacemaker is about R30 000, but this device costs around R300 000."

For more information, listen to Vorster using the audio player below: