Pacemaker "micra": the smallest in the world, without wires and without surgery
Written by:Recently the "micra" pacemaker has been implanted, which few hospitals in the country use. It is the smallest pacemaker in the world, capsule-shaped, without cables and without surgery to be implanted. In fact, it is anticipated that in a few years it will replace conventional current pacemakers. It has been in use for about a year and at present around 2,500 have been implanted in the world.
Miniparcapasos: how they work and how they are implanted
The mini capsules are capsule shaped: they measure 0.8 centimeters, they weigh 2 grams and they work like the conventional ones. They are unicameral pacemakers (with a single camera) that avoid complications related to the current devices. Today, in fact, they can only replace the unicameral pacemakers that, in Spain, represent almost half of cases.
To implant them the specialist in Cardiology introduces a catheter through the femoral vein, which releases the capsule when it reaches the heart ; In particular, to the ventricle. The device has four legs that anchor to the walls of this one. Once inside the heart, the catheter is simply removed, the pacemaker being anchored to the ventricle, without discomfort for the patient or aftercare. The implantation process lasts between 30 and 60 minutes and the patient is discharged within 24 hours after the procedure.
Advantages of the micron pacemaker without surgery and who can use them
The fact that the micron pacemaker does not require operation to implant or remove the device reduces the chances of infection , also avoiding the scars and discomfort of carrying an appliance under the skin. Subsequent interventions , such as conventional pacemakers, will also be avoided , which must be removed if the electrode is damaged or if the device stops working. The new mini-caps carry a lithium battery with a duration of up to 15 years , which will avoid, in many cases, the need to change them.
In addition, the fact that the pacemaker is kept in the ventricle without withdrawal makes them more indicated in elderly patients who do not need more than one implantation. The cases of patients between 70 and 80 years are usually because the heart, by blockade, by deterioration of the cardiac conduction system or by any bradycardia, goes slower than normal, with about 20 or 30 beats per minute , which can Cause loss of consciousness or inability to exercise. This makes it even more important to not intervene surgically to these patients, because of the risk that can lead to it.
To these advantages is added the fact that the patient can control it through the internet , having a routine follow-up, without needing to travel to the hospital, which improves their quality of life.
