It’s a game-changer in pacemaker tech, and it’s so small it’s less than a third of the size of an AAA battery!
Centurion, South Africa (09 January 2026) – South African doctors have marked another medical milestone after successfully implanting the country’s first-ever leadless pacemaker. The breakthrough procedure was performed late in November last year, at the Netcare Unitas Hospital.
Cardiologist Dr Jean Vorster and electrophysiologist Dr Jane Moses implanted the device called AVEIR™ VR.
Unlike traditional pacemakers, this new technology sits entirely inside the lower right ventricle of the heart.
“This latest iteration of pacemaker technology not only eliminates the need for leads, which are usually implanted through the veins leading to the heart, but there is also the aesthetic advantage that the patient is no longer left with a bulge in their chest as a constant reminder of their condition, because this LP is so small and the minimally invasive direct implant means there is no need for a surgical scar on the chest at all.” says Dr Vorster.
The micro-tech measures only 38mm and is delivered using a thin catheter inserted through the femoral vein in the groin. Once guided into place, it’s carefully secured to the heart wall where it monitors electrical impulses and helps regulate heart rhythm.
“The [device] is equipped to measure the electrical impulses of the ventricles, impedance and an initial capture threshold before it is secured in position by attaching the LP’s tip electrode to the heart muscle. Once contact is confirmed, the instrument gently rotates the LP to embed it into the muscular inner wall of the heart’s lower chamber.” shares Netcare.
Leadless pacemakers are mainly used for patients who can’t receive traditional devices.
“Leadless pacemakers may be recommended where there is insufficient access to implant leads, or there is an infection present that could become further complicated. As the first in the country and only the second such device implanted on the continent, we are encouraged that this technology is paving the way for further developments” shares Dr Moses.
“In the not-too-distant future, we can foresee the benefits of this microtechnology for implanting one LP in the ventricle or lower chamber of the heart, and another in the atrium or upper chamber, to stimulate the heart in such a way that brings us closer to more natural pacing to restore regular, healthy heartbeats for a wider range of conditions to bring hope to more patients.”
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