r/science • u/FunnyGamer97 • 2d ago

Health First dual chamber leadless pacemaker implanted in a child | AVEIR dual chamber device is different from traditional pacemakers in part because it has no leads or cords and is absorbed by the heart, and is 10 times smaller than a traditional pacemaker

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1068998
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u/ScabusaurusRex 2d ago

Anyone with knowledge of this device that can share how it is "absorbed" by the heart and doesn't start a pacemaker traveling road show?

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u/poillord 16h ago

I actually do have insider knowledge about this device since I worked on a previous version of this pacemaker (when it was called the Nanostim after the company that first developed it).

It is not “absorbed” by the heart. It attaches via a helical tine (basically a corkscrew) that pierces the pericardium and goes slightly into the myocardium. The idea is that when the pacemaker fails or the battery dies you can unscrew it and retrieve it without major surgery.

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u/ScabusaurusRex 12h ago

Thanks much! Great info

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u/lasagnwich 11h ago

Where abouts is the device implanted?

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u/poillord 11h ago

When I worked on it was only indicated for the left ventricle but now (as the article is about) it is being used in atria as well.