MGM Healthcare Revolutionises Cardiac Care With AI-Driven Leadless Pacemaker Implantation

MGM Healthcare, a leading healthcare provider in Chennai, has marked a significant milestone by successfully implanting an AI-driven leadless pacemaker in an 86-year-old woman. 

The AVEIR VR leadless pacemaker, developed by Abbott, was recently introduced in India and is a groundbreaking alternative to conventional pacemakers. The device, weighing just 2.4 grams with a remarkable 17-year battery life, is implanted directly into the heart’s right ventricle, eliminating the need for chest incisions, generator pockets, and insulated wires (leads). This design reduces the risk of infections, lead dislodgement, and other complications. Its non-magnetic properties also ensure compatibility with airport scanners, MRIs, and high-voltage environments.

Unlike traditional pacemaker surgery, which typically takes two hours, the AI-driven leadless pacemaker is implanted in just 45 minutes through a cath lab procedure. Patients can resume walking within six hours post-surgery, significantly enhancing recovery times and overall patient experience.

Dr. Ravi Kumar R, Senior Consultant and Associate Clinical Lead at the Institute of Heart and Lung Transplant & Mechanical Circulatory Support at MGM Healthcare, said, “This pacemaker represents a transformative shift in cardiac care. Its minimally invasive design eliminates the risks associated with traditional procedures, offering unparalleled safety and convenience. For this patient, whose previous pacemaker had caused complications, the AVEIR VR pacemaker was a game-changer.”

The patient had experienced severe complications from her previous pacemaker, including nerve occlusions and risks of infections. The leadless pacemaker, designed without external wires or surgical pockets, provided a safer and more effective solution. It is especially beneficial for elderly patients, those on blood thinners, dialysis, or with compromised immunity, such as post-heart transplant patients.

Dr. Ravi Kumar added, “This technology offers a beacon of hope for patients at high risk of complications from traditional pacemakers. By delivering precise electrical pulses to regulate the heart’s rhythm, it ensures improved safety and quality of life for patients with slow heart rhythms.”