Patients in our region now have access to one of the most advanced pacemaker technologies available.
On July 9, Dr. Mark Marieb of Catawba Valley Cardiology successfully performed Catawba Valley Medical Center’s first implantation of the Abbott AVEIR™ DR dual chamber leadless pacemaker system. This innovative technology offers a new minimally invasive treatment option for people living with slow or abnormal heart rhythms.
For many patients, this advancement is significant. Nearly 80% of people who need a pacemaker require pacing in both the upper and lower chambers of the heart. Until recently, leadless pacemakers were only available for patients needing single-chamber pacing. The AVEIR™ DR system is the world’s first dual chamber leadless pacemaker, expanding access to leadless pacing for millions of patients who may benefit from this approach.
Unlike traditional pacemakers, which use wires (called leads) connected to a device placed beneath the skin, the AVEIR™ DR system is implanted directly into the heart through a minimally invasive procedure. Eliminating the leads may reduce certain lead- and pocket-related complications while allowing for a less restrictive recovery for many patients.
“Bringing the AVEIR DR system to Catawba Valley allows us to offer more patients an advanced, minimally invasive treatment option for abnormal heart rhythms,” said Dr. Mark Marieb, cardiologist at Catawba Valley Cardiology. “It’s an important step forward that expands access to leadless pacing while helping reduce some of the complications associated with traditional pacemakers.”
The AVEIR™ DR system also features innovative implant-to-implant (i2i™) technology that allows two tiny leadless pacemakers to communicate with one another, coordinating the heart’s rhythm beat by beat. About one-tenth the size of a traditional pacemaker, the devices are also designed to be retrievable if a patient’s treatment needs change in the future.
By offering this groundbreaking technology, Catawba Valley Medical Center continues to expand access to advanced cardiovascular care, ensuring patients can receive innovative treatment close to home.
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Catawba Valley Health
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