As part of a pivotal clinical study, Abbott officially announced the world’s first patient implants of a dual-chamber leadless pacemaker, aptly named AVEIR DRi2i™. This implant of the investigational Aveir™ represents a technological milestone for leadless pacing and is the first seen within the trial. 

Patients who experience a slower heart rate are eligible to receive a pacemaker, innovated as a small battery-powered device implanted into the chest designed to deliver electrical impulses through cardiac leads, causing heart muscle chambers to contract and restore a normal heart rhythm. In comparison to traditional pacemakers, leadless pacemakers are implanted directly into the heart through a minimally-invasive catheter, eliminating the need for cardiac leads. 

Historically, leadless pacemakers have been limited to single-chamber devices due to synchronization challenges, however, Abbott solved this challenge through its i2i technology. This innovative design provides beat-by-beat communication between two leadless pacemakers; one positioned in the right ventricle and one positioned in the right atrium. The technology has been developed to regulate the heart rate synchronously between chambers to allow for true dual-chamber leadless pacing. 

“The first-in-human implant of a dual-chamber leadless pacemaker is a major clinical milestone that will open up new possibilities for patients requiring pacing support,” said Dr. Daniel J. Cantillon. “Abbott has designed a device capable of treating these patients, and we’re excited to see this technology advance patient care.”

Abbott has kept their focus on driving leadless pacing technology with the potential to improve care for patients battling abnormal heart rhythms. 

For more information on the pacemaker market in the U.S., EU & Global regions, please visit our link here to view the iData’s full report suite on Cardiac Rhythm Management.

Via: Abbott