New generation wireless pacemaker implanted for old man

For the past half month, Mr. Nhat has been dizzy and light-headed, especially when changing positions, and often has insomnia. The doctor prescribed a 48-hour Holter (heart rate monitor for 48 hours). The results showed that at times the patient’s heart rate dropped to 30 beats/minute, stopped beating for 1-2 seconds, and diagnosed bradyarrhythmia. This is a common arrhythmia, occurring when the heart beats less than 60 times per minute at rest.

Prof. Dr. Vo Thanh Nhan, Director of the Interventional Cardiology Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, assessed Mr. Nhat’s condition as very serious. If not treated promptly, it will lead to dizziness, vertigo, high risk of falling… In severe cases, the patient may faint due to lack of blood flow to the brain, even cardiac arrest, or sudden death.

At 6 a.m., the hospital’s interventional cardiac catheterization (DSA) room was lit, and the doctor’s team prepared to place the new generation Micra AV2 wireless pacemaker for Mr. Nhat. Professor Nhan checks the digital subtraction angiography system, digital ultrasound, and catheters – tools that support the team during the procedure.

Mr. Nhat was anesthetized and awake throughout the intervention process. The doctor makes a small incision (less than 1 cm) in the thigh to insert the catheter into the right ventricle. This technique does not require incisions in the skin to make a pocket to place the machine under the skin or under the muscle, helping to avoid the risk of infection, hematoma, hemothorax, bad scarring… like when placing a wired pacemaker.

During the first 24 hours, he was closely monitored for vital indicators such as pulse, blood pressure, breathing rate, SpO₂, and temperature. The doctor takes an electrocardiogram and takes an X-ray to check the position of the machine.

For wired pacemakers, patients should avoid vigorous exercise of the arm on the side where the device is placed for at least a few weeks after the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding in the pacemaker pocket. Meanwhile, thanks to the placement of a wireless pacemaker, Mr. Nhat can live and perform personal activities immediately after the intervention. He ate well, slept well, had a controlled heart rate, and was discharged from the hospital after three days.

Professor Nhan said that older generation wireless pacemakers (Micra AV) have an average lifespan of 10-12 years, while Micra AV2 can work well for up to 16 years. The machine has the ability to intelligently and accurately synchronize the atrioventricular ventricles automatically, and is compact in size, only the size of a capsule, weighing about 2 grams.

One day after the intervention, the patient can return to normal activities, but should avoid strenuous exercise or playing competitive sports. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts and fish helps protect heart health and speed recovery. Note, patients should take the correct dose of medicine as prescribed by the doctor to maintain a stable heart rate and prevent complications. Patients have regular follow-up appointments to monitor the machine’s performance and detect potential cardiovascular problems early.