The world’s smallest pacemaker was implanted in the USA as part of an international clinical trial. The treatment was the first attempt to use this innovative device, the dimensions of which are comparable to an average tablet.
The Micra TPS pacemaker (full name: Medtronic Micra ™ Transcatheter Pacing System) is ten times smaller than current pacemakers. It is implanted directly into the heart through a catheter in the femoral vein. Contrary to previous procedures, the implantation procedure does not require a surgical incision in the chest, which eliminates the potential source of complications. The device is also in no way visible outside the patient’s body.
The authors of the device are specialists from Medtronic, cooperating with scientists from several centers around the world. The first implantation was performed by Dr. Charles Gornick from the Minneapolis Heart Foundation Institute (MHIF).
Experts explain that the pacemaker is attached to the wall of the heart once and can be easily moved, repaired or removed if necessary.
The miniature pacemaker does not require the use of wires, called electrodes, which in traditional models lead through the aorta to the ventricle. The Micra TPS is attached with small “tooth-shaped” hooks and generates electrical pulses that sustain or balance the heart’s rhythm.
“This miniaturized device combines advanced technology and the highest performance of traditional pacemakers with minimal invasiveness to the patient,” explains Dr. Gornick. “If the results of the first treatment are positive, the implant can be put into service all over the world.”
Research on the Micra TPS starter is carried out simultaneously in several centers around the world. (PAP)