World's tiniest pacemaker inserted into man at Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital

World's tiniest pacemaker inserted into man at Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital

A revolutionary moment in medicine took place in KwaZulu-Natal this week...

A first for KZN as surgeons insert world’s tiniest, leadless pacemaker into patient’s heart.
A first for KZN as surgeons insert world’s tiniest, leadless pacemaker into patient’s heart. Image: IOL

History comes to Durban as KwaZulu-Natal cardiologist and electrophysiologist Dr Brian Vezi inserted the world's tiniest pacemaker into a patient.

This all happened at the Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre this week. 

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According to IOL, the Micra pacemaker leaves no bump under the skin, unlike other pacemakers. 

via GIPHY

Inserting a pacemaker is no simple procedure. Surgery is required and risks are also taken. 

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Normally, pacemakers are implanted through an incision in the upper chest. 

Surgeons insert a wire into the vein and then into the heart before the device is connected.

After the surgery, Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, Professor Ashley Chin, spoke about how pleased they are with the overall result of the surgery. 

"This will be the way to go when treating certain patients. We have to still select patients properly for this kind of procedure," says a beaming Prof Chin. 

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Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre CEO Niresh Bechan was overjoyed that the hospital was able to do this procedure. 

"This means a lot to us as it is in line with our vision to be the leading health-care facility in KZN. This hospital is extremely proud to have a medical procedure like this for the province, performed at our facility,” says Niresh. 

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The hospital will now be looking at ways to further expand their cardiac treatment options. 

"Innovation and technology is something that we will always strive and work high towards very highly on our agenda as a medical facility," says Niresh.  

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