Saint Pau Hospital is the first in Europe to house the world's smallest pacemaker

Santa Creu i Sant Pau Hospital is the first in Europe to house the world's smallest pacemaker. These are the MicraTM VR2 and MicraTM AV2 models from Medtronic. Hardware is The smallest in the world And the only ones Sense cables With automatic capture control and remote monitoring capability, allowing the medical team Controlling the device without the patient having to travel to the hospital. In addition, they have an average longevity 16 and 17 years old, 40% more than its predecessor. This makes it possible to extend the useful life of the device and that eight out of ten patients do not need to replace their pacemaker in their entire lives. Now, in Saint Pau, between 20% and 30% of implanted defibrillators are wireless.

According to Dr Xavier ViñolasDirector of the Cardiology Service at Hospital de Saint Pau, said that the implementation of this new generation of wireless defibrillators means “revolution“On the one hand, he says, because It significantly eliminates many complications On the other hand, because of its long duration, which makes it easier for many patients to have to Wear one pacemaker your whole life“.

In Spain approx 40,000 people A pacemaker must be implanted every year. It is the most common method of treatment Arrhythmia and atrioventricular block, a type of arrhythmia in which the heart's electrical impulses are not transmitted effectively. In fact, the pacemaker works by transmitting Electrical impulses in the heartIt helps restore their normal rhythm and relieve symptoms that patients may suffer from, such as dizziness, chronic lack of energy, difficulty breathing, fainting, and others.

According to Viñolas, the new pacemakers detect not only ventricular activity, but also the activity of the atrium, that is, the heart's two chambers, at frequencies of up to 130 per minute and Excellent sync.

Specifically, it also includes the new MicraTM AV2 Advanced algorithms Which automatically programs atrioventricular (AV) synchronization, that is, it coordinates the activity of the upper or atrial chambers and the lower chambers or ventricles of the heart (the atrium contracts first, then the ventricle).