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University Health Heart & Vascular Institute
210-644-3278

Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program
210-644-1230

Women's Heart Center
210-743-8201

Leadless Pacemaker Procedure

Leadless Pacemaker Procedure

Our heart care team performs the most innovative heart procedures to help those with a variety of heart conditions. One of those ways is through electrophysiology procedures, such as inserting a leadless pacemaker.

What is a Leadless Pacemaker?

A leadless pacemaker is a small device placed directly inside the right ventricle of your heart. It delivers small electrical signals to keep your heartbeat steady.

The Latest in Heart Treatment

We are proud to offer the latest cardiac technology and provide you the best care possible. Our heart specialists now implant the AVEIR DR leadless pacemaker – the latest FDA-approved leadless pacemaker capable of dual-chamber therapy.

This advanced technology sends electrical signals between the upper and lower chambers of the heart, offering a more complete treatment.

We also utilize the MICRA leadless pacemaker for patients with certain conditions, such as bradycardia.

Leadless vs. Traditional Pacemakers

The main difference between a leadless pacemaker and a traditional pacemaker is the size. A leadless pacemaker is 90% smaller than a traditional pacemaker. The small implantation looks like a metal cylinder and does not require a separate battery or lead wires.

Benefits of a Leadless Pacemaker

In addition to (benefits of it being smaller), a leadless pacemaker also offers:

  • Fewer device complications
  • Fewer infections
  • Shorter procedure time
  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machine safe
  • No noticeable wound on your chest

Why You Might Need a Leadless Pacemaker

You might need a leadless pacemaker implantation if you experience bradycardia, a slower than normal heart rate. Your slow heart rate can be the result of another heart condition.

In addition to bradycardia, your heart specialist may recommend a leadless pacemaker if you experience heart block or are prone to having infections.

Recovery and Follow-Up Care

Unlike a traditional pacemaker, recovery time from a leadless pacemaker procedure is only a few hours. After this time, most patients can return to normal daily activities.

You can also expect regular follow-up appointments:

  • Within 24 hours of your procedure
  • At one month
  • Then every 3, 6 or 12 months, depending on your provider’s recommendation

During these appointments, your provider will check that your device is working properly.

Request an Appointment or Referral

Our heart team has been recognized for its excellence in heart care. If you would like to request an appointment, you can call 210-643-278 or have your primary care provider fill out a referral form.

Doctors

  1. Aaron Abarbanell, MD

    Aaron Abarbanell, MD

    Cardiothoracic Surgery Congenital Cardiac Surgery Thoracic Surgery
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  2. Alejandro Velasco De La Cuesta, MD

    Alejandro Velasco De La Cuesta, MD

    Internal Medicine
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  3. Ildiko Agoston, MD

    Ildiko Agoston, MD

    Cardiology
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