IJN BECOMES FIRST IN SOUTHEAST ASIA TO IMPLANT DUAL-CHAMBER LEADLESS PACEMAKER

Was truly honoured to be invited to Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) to learn about them - Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) creating medical history by becoming the first medical centre in Southeast Asia to have successfully implant the world's first dualchamber leadless pacemaker system, the Abbott's AVEIR DR. Approved by the FDA in June 2023, AVEIR DR provides an innovative option to treat patients that suffer slow or irregular heart rhythms.

"IJN continues to set new standards for heart care in Malaysia and beyond. This new groundbreaking dual chamber leadless pacemaker will revolutionize care for our current patients and create a significant opportunity to expand the number of people we can serve.

 By eliminating traditional wires (leads) and surgical pockets, this leadless system significantly reduces the risk of complications such as infections, lead dislodgement, or vessel occlusion" said Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Clinical Director — Interventional Electrophysiology and Implantable Devices

For decades, pacemaker technology remained fundamentally unchanged due to the challenge of achieving seamless dual-chamber communication without AVEIR DR change that by enabling more natural heart rhythm synchrony and improved quality of life, especially for patients at higher risk from conventional systems.

Designed for patients with slow or abnormal heart rhythms, AVEIR DR represents a major leap in cardiac pacing technology. 

Unlike traditional pacemakers, which are placed under the skin with insulated leads extending to the heart, the AVEIR TM DR system uses two miniaturized pacemakers, each roughly one-tenth the size of conventional devices, implanted directly into the heart's right atrium and ventricle.

At the core of this system is Abbott's proprietary i2i (implant-to-implant) communication technology, which enables real-time, wireless synchronization between the two devices using high-frequency pulses conducted through the body's blood flow. This technology not only enables beat-to-beat coordination but also extends device longevity by consuming significantly less battery power than traditional wireless methods such as Bluetooth@ or radiofrequency signals.

To date, 18 patients have received the new device, with the first implantation conducted on May 27. This milestone builds on IJN's decade-long experience with leadless pacemaker technology, during which nearly 900 patients have undergone procedures involving wireless pacemakers.

Dr Azlan said that "This new technology opens up new possibilities for people with abnormal heart rhythms. The AVEIR DR system is also designed to provide real-time pacing analysis, allowing physicians to verify proper placement of the device during the procedure before implantation into the heart chamber," added Dr Azlan. "This innovation directly addresses the needs of patients with bradycardia and enhances quality of life through a fully leadless solution."

At IJN, innovation is not just about new technology, it's about creating real impact. The AVEIR DR implantation marks a leap forward in heart care, reinforcing IJN’s role as a regional leader. As cardiovascular disease remains a national challenge, we believe awareness, early intervention, and cutting-edge solutions must go hand in hand. " said Chief Executive Officer of IJN, Prof. Dato' Sri Dr. Mohamed Ezani Md Taib

Abbott's AVEIR DR system revolutionizes cardiac care as the world's first and only dual chamber leadless pacemaker, delivering synchronized, beat-to-beat pacing without the complications of traditional leads. With its minimally invasive design, long-term retrievability, and adaptability for future therapeutic needs, AVEIR DR embodies Abbott's commitment to pioneering life-changing technologies that empower patients to live fuller, healthier lives.

In line with its dedication to advancing cardiac treatment, IJN has played a pivotal role in the development and early clinical evaluation of next-generation technologies such as pacemakers. In 2018, IJN was the first hospital outside the United States to conduct implantation of the world's smallest pacemaker, Micra AV. Through its relentless pursuit of excellence, IJN continues to set new benchmarks in cardiovascular care throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. For more information, visit www.ijn.com.my.