South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT) has successfully carried out its first implantation of a new generation leadless pacemaker at Warwick Hospital, marking an important step forward in expanding access to innovative cardiac care for local patients.
The first procedure took place on Monday 15 June and was led by Dr Roger Beadle and the cardiac team at SWFT. The procedure involved implanting the Micra™ leadless pacemaker, a miniature pacing device manufactured by Medtronic, directly into the right ventricle of the heart.
Unlike traditional pacemakers, which require leads and a surgical pocket under the skin, the leadless device is implanted directly within the heart. Weighing less than two grams and significantly smaller than conventional pacemakers, the device is not visible externally.
The introduction of this technology at SWFT follows updated guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which has expanded access to leadless pacemaker technology beyond a limited number of specialist cardiac centres for people living with bradyarrhythmia, or abnormally slow heart rhythms.
Leadless pacemaker technology offers an important alternative for selected patients, particularly those at increased risk of complications or those without suitable venous access. By removing the need for leads and a surgical chest pocket, this approach may reduce the risk of infection and other device related complications while improving the patient experience.
Clinical evidence has also demonstrated improved outcomes for patients receiving leadless technology. Studies comparing leadless pacemakers with traditional single chamber transvenous pacemakers have shown a reduction in the need for repeat procedures over two years.
In addition to its small size, the device has an estimated battery life of up to 16 years. The minimally invasive implantation procedure typically takes around 20 minutes, which may support shorter hospital stays and faster recovery for suitable patients.
South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust Cardiology Consultant, Dr Roger Beadle, said: "Since performing our first leadless pacemaker implantation, we have successfully fitted a further six patients. The minimally invasive procedure is incredibly straightforward to perform, but most importantly, it offers important patient benefits. With this implantation we can significantly lower the risk of infection, while the device's long battery life can help many patients avoid the need for a replacement procedure. My team and I are incredibly proud to offer this innovative treatment, allowing our patients to benefit from some of the latest advances in cardiac care."
This milestone reflects SWFT’s continued commitment to bringing evidence-based innovation, ensuring patients can access advanced treatments within their community where clinically appropriate.
