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Tiny Heart Device Gives New Life to Patient
28 Aug
Summary
- A rice-sized wireless pacemaker was implanted in a congenital heart defect patient.
- This marks a global first for adult congenital heart patients.
- The patient reports feeling his age and returning to normal activities.
Doctors at Long Island Jewish Medical Center have made medical history by implanting a WiSE leadless pacemaker, a device the size of a grain of rice, into Michael Chaves, a 43-year-old adult born with a congenital heart defect. This procedure represents a global first for patients with such conditions.
Chaves, who previously required surgery and a pacemaker at age 17, experienced immediate positive effects, reporting he finally feels his age and has resumed normal activities. The innovative pacemaker works by wirelessly communicating with other devices to help synchronize the heart's rhythm, offering a significant improvement over traditional pacemakers for certain patients.
The device is designed to be a lifelong implant, though its battery will require changing within five to seven years. An ongoing FDA-mandated study will monitor patients for five years to evaluate the long-term efficacy and outcomes of this revolutionary technology.
