Sam Brusco, Associate Editor11.08.23
The first U.S. commercial cases using Abbott’s Aveir DR dual-chamber, leadless pacemaker were completed, marking the implant’s launch in the U.S.
The first Aveir DR procedure took place at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. It was performed by clinical cardiac electrophysiologist Rajesh Banker, MD, who was also the principal investigator in the pacemaker’s trial at Hoag.
"I am proud to work at a hospital that supports specialists like me with the resources to conduct leading-edge research and to offer cutting-edge technology that advances medicine and improves patient care," Dr. Banker told the press.
Abbott revealed that Aveir DR gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in July. The approval represented the first such green light for a dual-chamber, leadless pacing system to treat slow or abnormal heart rhythms.
"By eliminating transvenous leads and generator pockets, this technology reduces the long-term risk of infection and lead malfunction that affects one in six patients who have standard dual chamber pacemakers," Dr. Banker said. "Also, the new pacemaker allows for a tailored, patient-centric approach. For example, a person may only need an atrial or ventricular device at first. We can then upgrade over time, to meet that individual's evolving needs."
Another procedure occurred at the MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
"The leadless dual-chamber pacemaker is an excellent option to treat abnormally slow heart rates," said cardiac electrophysiologist Cyrus Hadadi, MD, MedStar Washington’s associate director of cardiac arrythmia. "There are no wires implanted in veins, no metal device under the skin, and no surgical incision. This means the potential for less risk, greater comfort, and fewer post-procedure restrictions."
The first Aveir DR procedure took place at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian. It was performed by clinical cardiac electrophysiologist Rajesh Banker, MD, who was also the principal investigator in the pacemaker’s trial at Hoag.
"I am proud to work at a hospital that supports specialists like me with the resources to conduct leading-edge research and to offer cutting-edge technology that advances medicine and improves patient care," Dr. Banker told the press.
Abbott revealed that Aveir DR gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in July. The approval represented the first such green light for a dual-chamber, leadless pacing system to treat slow or abnormal heart rhythms.
"By eliminating transvenous leads and generator pockets, this technology reduces the long-term risk of infection and lead malfunction that affects one in six patients who have standard dual chamber pacemakers," Dr. Banker said. "Also, the new pacemaker allows for a tailored, patient-centric approach. For example, a person may only need an atrial or ventricular device at first. We can then upgrade over time, to meet that individual's evolving needs."
Another procedure occurred at the MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
"The leadless dual-chamber pacemaker is an excellent option to treat abnormally slow heart rates," said cardiac electrophysiologist Cyrus Hadadi, MD, MedStar Washington’s associate director of cardiac arrythmia. "There are no wires implanted in veins, no metal device under the skin, and no surgical incision. This means the potential for less risk, greater comfort, and fewer post-procedure restrictions."