IJN successfully implants dual-chamber leadless pacemaker, a first in Southeast Asia

Free Malaysia Today

2 days ago

Senior consultant cardiologist Dr Azlan Hussin (left), IJN CEO Dr Ezani Taib (right) and chief clinical officer Dr Shaiful Azmi Yahya holding the dual-chamber leadless pacemaker device at the press conference today. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : The National Heart Institute (IJN) today announced it has successfully implanted the world's first dual-chamber leadless pacemaker system, the Abbott AVEIR™ DR, on several of its patients.
Senior consultant cardiologist and interventional electrophysiology & implantable devices clinical director Dr Azlan Hussin said it was also a historic achievement as IJN is the first hospital in Southeast Asia to carry out the procedure.
At a press conference today, he said this major achievement reflects IJN's commitment to setting new standards in cardiac care.
'This groundbreaking dual-chamber leadless pacemaker will revolutionise care for our current patients and create a significant opportunity to expand the number of people we can serve, including children.
'By eliminating traditional wires (leads) and surgical pockets, this leadless system significantly reduces the risk of complications such as infections, lead dislodgement, or vessel occlusion,' Azlan said.
He added that 18 patients have received the new device, with the first procedure carried out on May 27.
According to Azlan, this milestone also builds on IJN's decade-long experience with leadless pacemaker technology, during which nearly 900 patients have undergone procedures involving wireless pacemakers.
He said the long-term complication rate is typically 1-2%, comparable to and, in some cases, lower than that of conventional pacemakers.
Azlan said the AVEIR™ DR system offers a range of potential benefits, including a shorter procedure time of about 20 minutes to one hour, depending on the patient's heart condition.
'The system also provides real-time pacing analysis, enabling physicians to confirm accurate device placement during the procedure before the final implantation into the heart chamber,' he said.
IJN CEO Dr Ezani Taib told reporters the new procedure comes with a slight increase in cost, but that it was normal with any new technology.
'As with any new technology, the initial cost is slightly higher. However, in general, IJN's charges are significantly lower than those at most private hospitals,' he said.
When asked if other hospitals in the country could also perform the procedure, Ezani explained that IJN had both the right expertise and infrastructure to offer the service.
'People need to understand this is not just about business. It's about having the clinical expertise, advanced technology, and the right facilities.
'At IJN, innovation isn't just about introducing new technology, it's about creating real, meaningful impact. The AVEIR™ DR implantation marks a leap forward in cardiac care and reinforces our role as a regional leader,' he said.
Ezani also emphasised the importance of awareness and early intervention in addressing cardiovascular disease, which remains a significant health challenge in Malaysia.
The AVEIR™ DR system, designed for patients with slow or irregular heart rhythms, marks a major breakthrough in cardiac pacing.
Unlike traditional pacemakers, the AVEIR™ DR system consists of two miniaturised devices, each one-tenth the size of conventional models, implanted directly into the heart's right atrium and ventricle.
The AVEIR™ DR system consists of two miniaturised devices that are implanted directly into the heart's right atrium and ventricle. (Bernama pic)
As the world's first dual-chamber leadless pacemaker, it provides synchronised, beat-to-beat pacing without the risks associated with leads. The system features a minimally invasive design, long-term retrievability, and future-ready adaptability.
In 2018, IJN made history as the first hospital outside the US to implant the world's smallest pacemaker, the Micra AV.