Abbott has launched the AVEIR VR leadless pacemaker system in India to treat patients with slow heart rhythms. Vish Charan, Divisional Vice President of Product Development, Cardiac Rhythm Management at Abbott, shares insights with Express Healthcare on how the system works
Can you throw some light on pacemakers and their role in treating heart-related issues?
The heart is a complex electromechanical system. It relies on electrical impulses to produce mechanical beats, which pump blood throughout the body. A pacemaker is a device used when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions. These malfunctions can occur due to aging, cardiovascular issues like clogged arteries, or even genetic factors. When the heart beats too slowly or irregularly, a pacemaker helps restore a regular rhythm to ensure proper blood flow, which is critical for maintaining energy and overall health.
What are the traditional pacemakers, and how are they implanted? What are the risks associated with traditional pacemakers and their leads?
Traditional pacemakers consist of a metal device, often implanted under the chest skin through surgery, and connected to the heart using wires called leads. These leads are inserted into veins and screwed into the heart to deliver electrical impulses. While traditional pacemakers have evolved over the past 60 years to become smaller and more efficient, they still pose challenges. Leads, for example, can fail over time due to the body’s natural resistance to foreign objects, or they can get infected. Additionally, these devices can restrict arm movements and cause discomfort due to their placement under the skin.
Over time, leads in traditional pacemakers can break due to wear and tear—imagine the heart beating about 60 times a minute or 400 million beats over 10 to 15 years. Leads may also become infected, especially in patients with compromised health, such as those undergoing dialysis or frequent blood transfusions. Removing infected or broken leads is complex and risky, requiring specialised tools like laser catheters to cut away tissue grown around the leads. The risk of complications or even mortality during these procedures is higher than during initial implantation.
How does a leadless pacemaker address these issues?
Leadless pacemakers, like Abbott’s AVEIR VR, eliminate the need for leads altogether. These devices are smaller than a AAA battery and are implanted directly into the heart through a minimally invasive procedure. Using a catheter inserted through the groin, the pacemaker is guided into the heart and secured in place. This approach avoids the complications associated with traditional leads, such as infections, lead breakage, and the need for surgical pockets under the skin.
Can you elaborate on the benefits of the AVEIR VR leadless pacemaker?
The AVEIR VR leadless pacemaker offers several advantages. First, it eliminates the risk of lead-related complications, as it doesn’t require wires. Patients also don’t experience the discomfort or motion restrictions associated with traditional devices. The AVEIR VR pacemaker is designed to last 17 to 19 years on average, making it highly durable. Importantly, it is retrievable, meaning it can be removed or replaced through the same minimally invasive catheter method used for implantation, without the need for complex surgery.
How does the leadless pacemaker compare in terms of patient experience?
Patients with leadless pacemakers often forget they even have a device implanted, as it integrates seamlessly with their bodies and daily lives. There’s no visible bump under the skin, and the risks of fidgeting or causing complications are eliminated. This significantly enhances the overall quality of life and reduces anxiety associated with traditional devices.
What makes this technology particularly suited for the Indian market?
Ans. India has a growing population of patients with arrhythmia and other heart-related issues, driven by factors such as aging, lifestyle changes, and increasing rates of cardiovascular diseases. The AVEIR VR leadless pacemaker addresses common concerns, such as infection risk and lead-related complications, making it a game-changer in cardiac care. Its extended
lifespan and ease of implantation also make it a cost-effective in the long run and patient-friendly solution.
How do you foresee the adoption of leadless pacemakers evolving in the coming years?
Ans. As awareness grows about the advantages of leadless pacemakers, we expect their adoption to increase significantly. With advancements in minimally invasive techniques and the device’s durability, more patients and healthcare providers will likely choose this option. Innovations like the AVEIR VR pacemaker represent the future of cardiac care, offering safer and more effective solutions for managing heart rhythm disorders.
What are Abbott’s plans for training healthcare professionals in India on the use and benefits of the AVEIR VR device?
Abbott is dedicated to providing healthcare professionals across India with the education and training necessary to fully leverage this cutting-edge technology. The launch of the AVEIR VR, a leadless pacemaker, is a big step in that direction. This groundbreaking device addresses the increasing need for less invasive, more effective solutions in managing arrhythmias. By eliminating the need for leads, the AVEIR VR pacemaker offers a safer, simpler, and more efficient approach to heart rhythm management, reducing complications while providing reliable, real-time pacing support.
To ensure the successful adoption of this cutting-edge technology, Abbott has introduced a comprehensive training program for doctors across India. The program combines theoretical education with hands-on practice, allowing healthcare professionals to master both the technical features of the AVEIR VR device and its practical use in clinical settings. This initiative is designed to equip doctors with the expertise to effectively integrate the device into patient care, ultimately improving treatment outcomes and advancing the field of cardiac care.
What future innovations or advancements can we expect from Abbott in the field of cardiac care?
At Abbott, we understand the global burden that exists for people with cardiovascular disease.
We are advancing technologies that are transforming treatment through minimally invasive options. We’re delivering solutions to keep people and their doctors more connected to stay ahead of worsening heart disease. Through new digital health solutions, people can receive more personalised care experiences and doctors can make faster adjustments to their patient’s therapy needs. We are committed to advancing treatments and introducing our innovative products for people in India so that they can live life to its potential.