Lafayette, LA – Dr. Marc Saad, Electrophysiologist at Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS), became the first in Acadiana to use the Aveir™ AR Atrial Leadless Pacemaker to treat sinus node dysfunction. The procedure took place on February 17th at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center.
Abbott’s AVEIR AR Atrial Leadless Pacemaker, approved by the FDA in June of 2023, is the only atrial leadless pacemaker that effectively treats people with sinus node dysfunction – by sensing or pacing the right atrium. Smaller than a AAA battery, AVEIR AR Atrial LP is implanted via a minimally invasive procedure through the groin, avoiding the risks associated with a surgical incision and pocket necessary for a traditional pacemaker. The device attaches to the heart’s interior wall with a screw-in mechanism known as a helix and is engineered to be removed should a person’s therapy needs change or require a replacement device in the future. Part of the modular Aveir leadless pacemaker family, an Aveir VR™ Ventricular Leadless Pacemaker can also be added in the future if necessary to create a fully-functional dual chamber pacemaker system.
Dr. Saad explains, “This technology allows for direct pacing to the chamber where the electrical problem is originating from. Unlike traditional pacemakers, leadless devices are implanted directly into the heart through a minimally invasive procedure, eliminate lead-related complications, and offer a less restrictive and shorter recovery period post-implantation.”
Until now, single chamber leadless pacing could only be done in the right ventricle. With AVEIR AR Atrial Leadless Pacemaker, more people can benefit from leadless pacing, eliminating the risk of lead- and pocket-related complications and arm movement restrictions.
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