Doctors at Memorial Hermann first in Southeast Texas to implant leadless pacemaker

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Last week, doctors affiliated with Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital were the first in southeast Texas to implant a leadless pacemaker directly into a patient’s heart via a non-surgical procedure.

“This pacemaker has revolutionized the treatment of cardiac rhythm conditions,” said hospital affiliated Cardiac Electrophysiologist Rajesh Venkataraman, M.D. “The benefits to the patient are exceptional, including a lower risk of infection, a quicker recovery where the patient is ambulatory within hours, and less time in the hospital. Another advantage is cosmetic. Since this pacemaker is placed directly in the heart and doesn’t require leads, the patient can forego the unsightly and uncomfortable pacemaker pocket in the chest wall.”

More than 4 million people worldwide have an implanted pacemaker or other cardiac rhythm management device, and an additional 700,000 patients receive the devices each year. Unlike conventional pacemakers that require a more invasive surgery, the Nanostim leadless pacemaker is designed to be implanted directly into the heart via the femoral vein.

Here’s how it works: Using a steerable catheter, doctors run the device through the femoral vein in a patient’s leg and into the heart. Once it is in the right position, the doctor screws the tiny pacemaker – which is comparable in size to a AAA battery – into the inside wall of the heart. The non-surgical procedure takes only 10-15 minutes. Additionally, the device is designed to be fully retrievable so that it can be readily repositioned throughout the implant procedure and later retrieved if necessary.

According to St. Jude, the manufacturer of the device, the elimination of the visible lump and scar at a conventional pacemaker’s implant site, in addition to the removal of patient activity restrictions, will potentially improve the quality of life for patients with this technology by allowing most to continue living active, uninhibited lifestyles.

Dr. Venkataraman’s patient Judy Berry Weeks agrees. After experiencing complications with a traditional pacemaker that she’d had for eight years, she was the ideal candidate for the new technology.

“The whole process has been much easier,” said Weeks, a 42-year resident of Shenandoah. “When I had the procedure to implant my original pacemaker, I was on restrictions for weeks. I couldn’t shampoo or brush my hair. I couldn’t drive. I was prohibited from performing my daily activities, which was very frustrating.”

“This time around, I have no restrictions. The recovery has been much easier. I was up and walking within hours, able to lift my arms above my head and resume my normal life without fear of damaging the leads or pacemaker. It’s very exciting.”

The Complex Arrhythmia Program at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital offers expert care for patients with heart arrhythmias. Doctors and nurses highly experienced in providing specialized care provide the complete range of treatment options, from drug therapy to minimally invasive surgical options. The program is recognized in the top 1 percent of hospitals nationally by Healthgrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization.

For more information on Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital and its cardiac care, call 713.897.PULSE (713.897.7857) or click here.