In a groundbreaking medical milestone, Dr Vanita Arora, Clinical Lead in Cardiac Electrophysiology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, has successfully implanted the first AVEIR VR Abbott Leadless Pacemaker in India.

The procedure, which took place on November 11, 2024, represents a major advancement in cardiac care, providing a safe and minimally invasive solution for patients in need of a pacemaker but at high risk of complications from traditional implant methods.

DrArora’s patient, a 75-year-old woman with multiple health challenges, had been suffering from fatigue, loss of energy, and pre-syncope episodes. After a series of consultations that yielded no improvement, DrArora diagnosed her with Sick Sinus Syndrome, a condition where the heart’s natural pacemaker, or sinus node, has degenerated due to age. The patient, who has diabetes, hypertension, and a history of recurrent urinary tract infections, faced increased risk of infection and complications from traditional surgical implantation methods.

“She didn’t want a surgical implant and was concerned about pain, limited arm movement, and the risk of infection,” DrArora 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”, DrArora added.

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. 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.

Leading the Way for Leadless Pacemaker Technology in India

DrArora’s successful use of this advanced device demonstrates the potential of the latest pacemaker technology for patients at risk of surgical complications. The minimally invasive transvenous procedure allows patients to receive life-saving cardiac support without the drawbacks of traditional surgery, providing an important new option for those previously limited by medical conditions or high infection risks.

This breakthrough represents an important step in Apollo Hospital’s commitment to bringing cutting-edge medical advancements to India, with DrArora and her team at the forefront of the country's cardiology field.