
Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria has become the first center in Eastern India to successfully implant Abbott’s Aveir Leadless pacemaker, marking a significant advancement in cardiac care. The innovative device, which has already been approved in the US and Europe, was first inserted in a 65-year-old patient’s heart.
The wireless pacemaker weighs just 2.4 grams and offers several advantages over traditional pacemakers, including a longer lifespan of 20-25 years compared to the typical 7-8 years. It features Bluetooth connectivity for remote monitoring and can be upgraded from single to dual-chamber configuration without additional surgery.
Dr. P.K. Hazra, an Interventional Cardiologist at Manipal Hospital, highlighted that the device eliminates the need for invasive surgery and external wires, while enabling remote monitoring by specialists worldwide. The pacemaker’s minimally invasive nature makes it particularly suitable for elderly patients, those with compromised immunity, and patients on dialysis or blood thinners.
India is now the third country globally to implement this USFDA and European Medical Authority-approved injectable pacemaker. The innovation is expected to benefit not only Indian patients but also those from neighboring countries like Bhutan, where cardiovascular diseases are a significant health challenge.