First AVEIR VR Abbott Leadless Pacemaker Implanted in India at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital
Dr. Vanita Arora, Clinical Lead in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Interventional Cardiologist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, has made history by performing India’s first-ever implant of the advanced AVEIR VR Abbott Leadless Pacemaker in the country.
This new type of minimally invasive device with increased battery longevity is a big step forward in heart care, especially for patients who face high risks with traditional pacemaker surgery.
For, unlike conventional pacemakers, leadless pacemakers do not require an incision in the chest to implant the device or cardiac leads to deliver therapy. This non-surgical technology also brings new hope to patients on hemodialysis for chronic kidney disease, as well as those who have had infections from prior pacemaker implants.
Dr. Arora’s patient, a 75-year-old woman, had been struggling with multiple health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and recurrent urinary infections. For months, she had felt constantly fatigued and experienced frequent episodes of dizziness. Despite consulting several doctors, her condition showed no improvement.
It was Dr. Arora, after extensive investigation, who diagnosed her with Sick Sinus Syndrome—a condition where the heart’s natural pacemaker fails to function properly due to the aging process.
Given her elevated risk of infection and complications from traditional pacemaker surgery, the patient was reluctant to undergo a conventional implant, fearing pain, limited arm movement, and the risk of post-surgical infections.She sought an alternative that would mitigate these concerns.
In response to her fears and health condition, Dr. Arora recommended the AVEIR VR Abbott Leadless Pacemaker—a next-generation, catheter-mounted device implanted transvenously without the need for an incision or surgical pocket.
“She didn’t want a surgical implant and was concerned about pain, limited arm movement, and the risk of infection,” Dr Arora explained.
The leadless pacemaker, a catheter-mounted device, offered the perfect solution, as it’s implanted transvenously without an incision or pocket, significantly reducing these risks, said the doctor.
This approach significantly reduces the patient’s risk of complications, offering a much safer alternative to traditional surgical methods.
Dr. Arora’s success with the leadless pacemaker underscores the transformative potential of minimally invasive technologies in cardiac care. It provides a life-saving solution for high-risk patients who previously had few options.
According to health experts, the AVEIR VR Abbott Leadless Pacemaker is a next-generation device with unique features, including safe retrievability, the option for future upgradation to dual-chamber pacing, and an impressive battery longevity of 17 years.
Needless to say, as Dr. Arora’s patient recovers and looks forward to a brighter future, this landmark achievement in India sets the stage for a new era in cardiac care, offering hope and healing to countless patients across the country
