- A unique pacemaker, the size of a matchstick, is gaining popularity in the UAE’s medical community.
- The device comes with a retrieval tool for easy retrieval by doctors.
- Over 150 physicians worldwide have received training to perform this procedure.
Gaining popularity among the UAE’s medical community is a unique pacemaker, the size of a matchstick, with a lifespan of up to 25 years, in contrast to traditional pacemakers that typically last only six to seven years.
Weighing hardly 2 grams and measuring less than four centimeters, the device incorporates advanced battery technology and deep miniaturization of electronics, allowing for the implantation of the entire pacemaker system into the ventricle.
During the ongoing Arab Health 2024, Dr. Mohammed Magdy, Head of the Department of EP (electrophysiological) at Al Qassimi Hospital, highlighted, “This is one of the latest devices from Abbott Medical.
This device is very small. It’s merely 38 millimeters and has a battery life of up to 25 years. What’s neat about it is that you can put the device without surgery and wires.
This is implanted by putting the device through the vein in the leg that goes right up to the heart and we fix it there.” Consequently, implementing such procedures significantly enhances the patient experience by reducing the frequency of procedures and minimizing discomfort associated with surgery or wires.
Technological advancements:
Since their inception in the 1950s, pacemakers have undergone significant technological advancements. These advancements aim to minimize generator size, extend battery life, enhance overall quality, fine-tune pacing algorithms, and ensure the fidelity of leads.
He adds, “If at any point we want to retrieve the device, it also comes with a retrieval tool that can be hooked up and doctors can retrieve it. This is the future.”
Medical professionals in France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Poland, and other countries have already received training to perform this procedure, totaling 150 physicians worldwide.
Magdy added, “It launched in the UAE and the US at the same time. So, we are one of the leaders using this technology in the UAE. We have trained more than 150 physicians from Europe, including France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Poland, and lots of other countries.”
He explains that the first procedure using this device took place in Switzerland. Doctors from the UAE actively participated and assisted their counterparts in Bern and Zurich.
“We flew there and helped the doctors in the nascent procedure there, and it was a success.”
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