Mizoram has recorded a major milestone in advanced cardiac care with doctors performing the state’s first leadless pacemaker implantation at Aizawl Civil Hospital.
The procedure was carried out on Monday by a team of cardiologists led by Dr Loncy V Lalzarliana and Dr Isak Lallawmkima, with guidance from Dr Uday Shankar Das of Apollo Multispeciality Hospital, Kolkata, Health Minister Lalrinpuii said on Tuesday.
The achievement comes about a year after a cardiac catheterisation laboratory was established at Aizawl Civil Hospital, the state’s largest government hospital.
LESS INVASIVE PACEMAKER TECHNOLOGY
Unlike conventional pacemakers, leadless pacemakers do not require a surgical pocket beneath the skin or wires running through blood vessels.
Instead, the device is delivered directly into the heart through a catheter inserted through the femoral vein. This eliminates the need for an incision to create a pacemaker pocket and avoids the complications associated with conventional pacing leads.
The device used in the procedure was an Abbott AVEIR VR leadless pacemaker. According to the Health Minister, the device is designed to have a battery lifespan of more than 18 to 21 years, compared with approximately nine to 11 years for conventional pacemakers.
PATIENT TREATED UNDER STATE HEALTH SCHEME
The procedure was performed on a 67-year-old pensioner under the Mizo Universal Health Care Scheme (MUHCS).
Dr Loncy confirmed that the procedure marked Mizoram’s first leadless pacemaker implantation. Conventional pacemaker procedures had previously been carried out at Aizawl Civil Hospital.
The successful procedure is expected to expand the hospital’s ability to provide specialised cardiac treatment and reduce the need for patients to travel outside Mizoram for advanced heart-care services.
BOOST FOR CARDIAC SERVICES IN MIZORAM
Health Minister Lalrinpuii described the development as an important advancement for the state’s public healthcare system.
The availability of leadless pacemaker implantation at a government hospital could improve access to specialised cardiac treatment for patients across Mizoram, particularly those who may otherwise have to seek treatment in major medical centres outside the state.
The procedure also highlights the growing capacity of Aizawl Civil Hospital to undertake complex cardiac interventions following the establishment of its catheterisation laboratory.