Abbott Launches Leadless Pacemaker in India for Slow Heart Rhythms

The pacemaker, approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), provides an advanced solution without the complications of traditional devices.

Abbott has launched the AVEIR VR leadless pacemaker in India, offering a new treatment option for patients with slow heart rhythms.

The pacemaker, approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), provides an advanced solution without the complications of traditional devices.

The AVEIR VR is a single-chamber ventricular pacemaker designed to address slow heart rhythms by delivering electrical pulses directly to the heart. Unlike conventional pacemakers, which require chest incisions and lead wires, this leadless device eliminates the need for cardiac leads, potentially reducing associated complications.

Designed for Seamless Use

Ajay Singh Chauhan, General Manager for Abbott's Cardiac Rhythm Management business in India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Korea, highlighted the device's technological benefits.

"The AVEIR VR leadless pacemaker was designed to make the implantation and retrieval processes as seamless as possible for physicians and provide improvements over existing options," he said.

Traditional pacemakers have long been used to regulate heart rhythms, but they come with challenges, such as infections, lead displacement, and the need for chest incisions. Leadless pacemakers like the AVEIR VR address these concerns by being placed directly inside the heart without requiring a surgical pocket or lead wires.

Clinical Perspectives on Leadless Pacemakers

Dr Balbir Singh, Chairman of Cardiology at Max Superspeciality Hospital, noted the advantages of leadless technology. "Leadless pacemakers address known complications associated with traditional pacemakers," he said, adding that these devices may result in fewer post-implantation issues and improve patient comfort.

Another critical feature is the device's retrievability. Dr Vanita Arora, Clinical Lead for Electrophysiology at Apollo Hospitals Delhi, explained its significance for patients. "In some circumstances where we believe a person's therapy needs may change in the future, retrievability also becomes a critical device feature," she said.

The device is particularly beneficial for patients with bradycardia (slow heart rhythms), a condition in which the heart beats at a slower pace, causing fatigue, dizziness, and other symptoms. The AVEIR VR aims to restore normal rhythm without the invasive procedures associated with traditional pacemakers.