UPMC Cardiovascular Experts Implanted the first Micra™ AV2 Leadless Pacemaker System in Pennsylvania
May 22, 2023
Experts at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute performed the first Micra™ AV2 implant, the latest advancement in industry-leading miniaturized, leadless pacemakers, on Thursday, May 11. UPMC is the first center in the state and the region to leverage this new technology.
“At UPMC, we continuously strive to introduce innovative technologies that will bring meaningful benefits to our patients,” Alaa Shalaby, MD, who implanted the device in the first patient. “Our highly skilled team is excited to lead the way in the state by offering this new capability to the communities we serve.”
In May 2023, Medtronic announced FDA approval of Micra™ AV2 and Micra™ VR2, the world’s smallest pacemakers, as a way to continue providing the benefits of leadless pacing but with prolonged battery life and easier programing. This new leadless pacemaker offers 40% more battery life compared to previous versions resulting in an average projected battery life of 16 years for the Micra™ AV2 and 17 years for Micra™VR2. This advancement means that more than 80% of patients who receive a Micra are expected to only need one device for the remainder of their lives. Patients who receive the Micra™ AV2 can also possibly benefit from reduce complications compared to traditional pacemakers and higher available tracking capability for faster heart rates.
“This latest milestone underscores our mission at UPMC,” said Sandeep Jain, MD, director, Cardiac Electrophysiology at UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute. “Our multidisciplinary team of experts uses the latest technology, conducts cutting-edge research and participates in the latest clinical trials to give our patients access to treatments that may not be available at other hospitals.”
About the UPMC Center for Atrial Fibrillation
As part of the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, our multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and allied practitioners offers the latest diagnostics, state-of-the-art treatments, and ongoing patient education initiatives that allow patients and their families to fully partner in all care decisions. Experts at the center also routinely participate in novel research and clinical trials to advance cardiac electrophysiology treatments.
Micra™ AV2 and Micra™ VR2 are trademarks of Medtronic.
