Mission Hospital First Provider In Western North Carolina To Provide Leadless Pacemaker

Mission Hospital announced the first successful implant of a new type of pacemaker that significantly health more patient with slow or irregular heart rhythms — making it the first hospital in Western North Carolina to offer this advanced treatment. 

Traditional pacemakers require wires (call leads) and a surgical pocket under the skin. But the new system is leadless and placed directly inside the heart though a minimally invasive procedure, leading to fewer complications, quicker recovery, and less discomfort.  

“This advancement allows us to help many more people who need pacing in both chambers of the heart, while also reducing risks that can come with traditional pacemakers,” said Dr. John Brandt, who specializes in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology at Mission Health’s Asheville Cardiology Associates. “Being the first hospital in Western North Carolina to offer this option means our patients can receive cutting-edge care close to home.” 

The breakthrough with the new system is that it can help both the upper and lower chambers of the heart, which 80% of patients that need a pacemaker require. The two small devices are placed inside the heart through a minimally invasive procedure and help the heart operate in a more natural way. Patients who choose this procedure over a traditional pacemaker can experience a shorter recovery time and fewer visible signs of a pacemaker.  

Mission Hospital plans to use this leadless pacemaker to patients who need dual-chamber pacing and are good candidates for a leadless approach, particularly those who may be a higher risk for complications. Offering this new option, Mission Hospital says that it demonstrates its commitment to expanding access to advance heart care and improving quality of life for people across Western North Carolina.