Shannon Regional Heart Center is proud to offer Abbott’s AVEIR DR™
Leadless Pacemaker system for patients requiring dual-chamber pacemakers.
AVEIR DR™ is the first leadless pacemaker system approved by the FDA.
ABOUT AVEIR DR™ LEADLESS PACEMAKER SYSTEM
Traditional pacemaker systems utilize an external battery placed under
the skin of the chest, connected to metal disks inside the heart by electrode
wires. These devices use electrical pulses to stabilize the patient’s
heartbeat over time.
Like other pacemaker systems, AVEIR DR™ is designed to correct slow
or irregular rhythms in the heart by generating electrical pulses that
prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate. Thanks to revolutionary wireless
technology, the AVEIR DR™ system offers patients less invasive treatment
and maintenance, lower risk of post-operative complications, more accurate
pacing of the heart’s rhythm and fewer restrictions to everyday life.
How AVEIR DR™ Works
AVEIR DR™ is comprised of two wireless electrodes, smaller than a
AAA battery, which are placed in the myocardium (muscle) in the heart
during surgery. The heart is accessed through a major vein in the groin
using a specialized catheter to reach the inside of the heart. Each electrode
uses a helix or “screw” designed to attach to the walls of
the heart; the screw capability allows the electrodes to be removed or
repositioned later without damaging the heart muscles. Because the devices
have built-in batteries, no wire lead is necessary to connect outside the body.
Once placed in the heart, the electrodes use i2i™ wireless technology
to communicate with each other across the right atrium and right ventricle
of the heart. Specialized sensors help track the heart’s rhythm
and allow each device to release an electrical pulse at the same time,
synchronizing both sides of the heart, which helps fix a slow or unpredictable
heartbeat.
The batteries used in the AVEIR DR™ system last twice as long as
other pacemaker systems, which reduces the frequency of procedures to
adjust or replace the electrodes. AVEIR DR™ is also approved safe
for use in MRI.
Benefits of Leadless Pacemakers
Less invasive: While conventional pacemakers require threading electrode wires through
the heart and connecting them to a battery pack under the skin, AVEIR
DR™ nodes include a self-contained power source that don’t
require additional batteries. This means fewer incisions and shorter surgery
times when placing AVEIR DR™, and less worry for patients compared
to visible batteries with other systems. The nodes can also be retrieved
through a specialized catheter entering through the groin, which does
not require a chest incision.
Lower risk of complications: AVEIR DR™’s wireless nodes can be placed directly into the
muscle of the heart itself, which prevents inflammation and scarring associated
with traditional pacemaker surgery. Not using leads connected to the heart
also reduces the chance of wire insulation breaks, vein blockages, infections
and other long-term complications. AVEIR DR™ also does not leave
behind any hardware when removed from the body, which reduces additional
problems within the heart muscle.
More accurate pacing: The AVEIR DR™ leadless pacemaker system uses unique i2i™ technology
where the nodes in the right atrium and right ventricle communicate directly
with each other every time the heart beats. This seamless exchange of
data allows the system to stabilize the heart’s rhythm in real time,
which leads to better treatment outcomes for patients with arrythmia.
Fewer restrictions: Because AVEIR DR™ doesn’t require a battery pack under the
skin and uses fewer incisions to place the wireless nodes during surgery,
patients can recover faster and face fewer restrictions after surgery.
AVEIR DR™ is also approved safe for use in MRI.
Less maintenance over time: AVEIR DR™ nodes have twice the battery life of regular pacemaker
power sources, which means fewer procedures are needed to maintain the
system over time. The helix design of the devices also makes removing
or adjusting the nodes in the heart easier via catheter.
Could You Benefit from a Dual-Chamber Leadless Pacemaker?
80% of patients who need a pacemaker need dual-chamber pacing on both sides
of the heart – in the right atrium and the right ventricle. The
AVEIR DR™ leadless pacemaker system is ideal for younger patients,
patients who face chronic, symptomatic second- and third-degree AV block
and patients with a higher risk of infection.
KEEPING CARDIOLOGY CARE LOCAL
Our experienced team of cardiac specialists have performed more operations
and provided more cardiac care than anyone else in the region. More importantly,
we have a full spectrum of cardiac services available at the Shannon Regional
Heart Center — from medication management to cardiac catheterizations
to open heart surgery — so patients may receive convenient treatment
at Shannon. We want you to receive exceptional care in your hometown,
with your family and loved ones close by, instead of traveling outside
the area for high-level cardiac care.
For more information about the AVEIR DR™ Leadless Pacemaker system
and other cardiological services, contact the Shannon Regional Heart Center at
(325) 747-2281.
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