New Pill-Sized Pacemaker Implanted in Heart of UK Patient

The new pacemaker, the micra transcatheter pacing system. Photograph: University Hospital Southampton/PA

Wireless device, used for the first time at Southampton general hospital, set to reduce risks linked to traditional pacemakers

theguardian.com - June 9, 2014

A pacemaker the size of a tablet has been fitted inside the heart of a British patient, in a new operation that promises to reduce infection risk and reduce recovery time.

The wireless device used – for the first time in the country – at Southampton general hospital, known as the micra transcatheter pacing system, is the smallest in the world, at a tenth of the size of traditional models, and is implanted directly in the heart.

Currently pacemakers are inserted under the skin via an incision in the chest and connected to the heart via a lead that carries electrical signals to correct slow or irregular heartbeats, but they can require replacement due to broken or dislodged wires.

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