JOHOR BAHRU: Patients in Johor who are in dire need of pacemakers will now have access to cutting-edge technology with the introduction of the Micra AV, the world’s smallest pacemaker with atrioventricular (AV) synchrony at Hospital Sultanah Aminah (HSA) in the city.

Speaking to ApaKhabar TV recently, Dr Ng Kim Fong, a consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist attached to Hospital Sultanah Aminah said this innovative device is manufactured by medical device giant Medtronic.

He said, “It is about the size of a large multivitamin and offers a minimally invasive solution for patients with AV block, a heart condition characterized by impaired electrical signals between the heart chambers.”

Recently Dr Ng implanted the Micra AV for a patient on March this year with the assistance of Dr. Navindran Selavraju, a cardiology fellow, and assisted by staff nurse Suhailah Zulkefli.

He emphasized the significance of this technology, stating, “The Micra AV can sense normal electrical activity in the top chamber and synchronize with it to pace the bottom chamber, ensuring optimal heart function.”

This coordination, according to Dr Ng prevents complications associated with traditional pacemakers and expands the pool of patients who can benefit from this device.

“Unlike traditional pacemakers, the Micra AV is leadless, eliminating the need for wires that can break or cause infections, “he stressed.

Explaining further on what is a pacemaker, he said it is a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) to deliver electrical pulses to the heart.

He said this pacemaker provides pacing therapy with atrioventricular (AV) synchrony.

“It is indicated for treatment of patients with heart block or otherwise called AV block, a condition in which electrical signals between the heart’s upper chambers (atria) and lower chambers (ventricle) are impaired,” he said.

The pacemaker, he explained is used when the heart beat is slow (bradycardia) or irregular, and when it pauses, causing fainting spells and dizziness.

“Pacemaker stimulates the heart by sending electrical signals to correct the heart-beat. It can also increase the heart beat as needed such as during exercise,” he said.

Dr Ng also highlighted the importance of this advancement, particularly with limited vein access, such as those with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis.

Not mincing his words, Dr Ng said the device is delivered through a vein in the leg, reducing recovery time and minimizing infection risk.

Elaborating further, he said, the Micra AV boasts an extended battery life of 12 to 15 years, compared to traditional pacemakers that require frequent battery replacements.

He pointed out that the low complication and dislodgment rates associated with the Micra AV, underscoring its safety and efficacy.

Dr Ng expressed gratitude to the Malaysian government, particularly the Ministry of Health, for providing financial support for patients undergoing this advanced treatment, which typically cost around RM50,000.

He also emphasized the importance of patient selection for optimal outcomes, as not all patients are suitable candidates for the Micra AV.

He went on to say that the Micra AV at HSA marks a significant advancement in cardiac care for patients in Johor.

“It offers a safer, more efficient alternative to traditional pacemakers,” he expounded.

He said the operation usually takes roughly an hour and so far four patients have received this Micra AV.

The well-known cardiologist said the Micra AV is a leadless pacemaker which requires lesser procedure time compared to implanting a traditional pacemaker.

He made it clear that Micra AV reduces lead-related complications such as lead fractured and has fewer post-implant activity restrictions.

“It is a minimally invasive procedure, leaving no visible chest scars,” he added.

Dr Ng believes that this technology will continue to evolve, further improving patient outcomes in the future.