The MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center offers one of the most advanced heart rhythm treatments – the AVEIR™ DR Dual Chamber Leadless Pacemaker System.
This innovative technology is the first pacemaker system to support both the upper and lower heart chambers without needing traditional wiring or a chest incision. This minimally invasive procedure is designed to improve heart rhythm, reduce complications and enhance a patient’s overall quality of life.
What Is a Dual Chamber Pacemaker?
A pacemaker helps the heart maintain a healthy rhythm when an irregular heartbeat is diagnosed. Traditional pacemakers are placed through the chest to connect to the heart with thin wires called leads. AVEIR™ Leadless Pacemakers use no wires or leads, and the devices are inserted directly into the heart through a small incision in the leg. Other benefits include:
- No visible chest scarring or lump after the procedure
- Supports both the upper (atrium) and lower (ventricle) heart chambers
- The device is smaller than a AAA battery
- No arm movement restrictions after implantation
- No lead-related complications and quicker recovery
This system not only functions efficiently for years, but it also provides flexibility to adapt to better suit a patient’s changing needs and conditions:
- It can be upgraded from single to dual chamber therapy without requiring complete device replacement.
- It allows for beat-by-beat heart coordination for more natural rhythm support.
- It can be safely retrieved through a quick, minimally invasive procedure.
How the Procedure is Performed
Implanting a dual chamber leadless pacemaker is a minimally invasive procedure designed to be safe and efficient. Instead of a large surgical incision in the chest, a physician inserts the pacemaker through a small incision in the upper leg.
Then, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is used to guide and place the device directly into the heart. Once the pacemaker is correctly positioned within one of the heart’s chambers, it begins working immediately to regulate its rhythm. Because no surgical incisions or wires are placed inside the body, most patients can return home the same day or within 24 hours.
This faster recovery time and minimally invasive approach make the procedure especially appealing for patients looking for safer and more comfortable outcomes.
Who Can Benefit from a Dual Chamber Pacemaker?
This dual chamber leadless pacemaker system is designed for patients who need pacing support in the heart's upper (atrium) and lower (ventricle) chambers. It may be recommended for those experiencing a slow or irregular heartbeat, a condition known as bradycardia, which can cause fatigue, dizziness or fainting.
This procedure is also appropriate for those diagnosed with an atrioventricular (AV) block, where the electrical signals between the heart’s chambers are delayed or completely blocked, and the heart’s natural pacemaker doesn’t function properly.
An expert care team will review each patient’s conditions, symptoms and medical history to determine whether this minimally invasive system is the most appropriate and effective option for their individual needs.
If you’ve been told you may need a pacemaker or are exploring options for heart rhythm treatment, find a MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute physician who can help you choose the best device for your individual needs at memorialcare.org/Heart.