Malaysia's first Micra AV pacemaker is here

THE National Heart Institute (IJN) will be the first hospital outside of the United States to implant Micra AV pacemaker.

What does it mean?

Micra AV pacemaker is the world’s smallest pacemaker with atrioventricular (AV) synchrony used to treat patients who suffer from AV block, a type of heart blockage occurring when the electrical signals between the chambers of the heart is impaired.

IJN has been involved in the device development since 2018 and have had six patients undergone the treatment, the first being on March 19.

Why should we care?

According to IJN chief executive officer Datuk Dr Aizai Azan Abdul Rahim, the Micra AV significantly reduces the risk of patients experiencing complications as it is leadless pacemaker.

It is designed to provide a safe alternative to conventional pacemakers, without the complications associated with lead in the long run.

"So doctors can implant this pacemaker through a minimally-invasive procedure, therefore, eliminating the need for extensive surgery," he said, adding that some heart patient previously could not receive pacemakers due to these surgeries.

As the Micra AV is one-tenth the size of a traditional pacemaker, it can be delivered through a caterer and implanted directly into the heart, delivering the most advanced pacing technology.

The introduction of the device is also aimed at minimizing the exposure to COVID-19.