First Leadless Pacemaker Procedures at St Andrews War Memorial Hospital Brisbane
Queensland Cardiovascular Group (QCG) is proud to announce the introduction of a revolutionary cardiac device now available to patients requiring pacing therapy. Brand new Leadless Pacemaker devices represent a major shift in how heart rhythm conditions are managed—offering a smaller, safer and less invasive option for eligible patients.
Cardiologist Dr Robert Perel recently performed the first procedures using this new technology at St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital in Brisbane, marking a significant step forward in patient-centred care.
What Is a Leadless Pacemaker and How Does It Work?
A leadless pacemaker is a tiny device that is implanted directly into the heart via a vein in the leg. Devices like the Abbot AVEIRâ„¢ Leadless Pacemaker or the Medtronic Micra Leadless Pacemaker, are around 10x smaller than traditional pacemakers – just a bit longer than an average medication capsule.
Unlike traditional pacemakers, which require leads (wires) and a battery placed under the skin of the chest near the collarbone, the new leadless system is entirely self-contained. It sits within the heart itself and can operate as a small single device (in either the atrium or ventricle) or be paired and provide dual-chamber pacing with the two devices communicating wirelessly.
They do not require any surgery on the chest, there is no need for wires or a battery under the collarbone. They are inserted via a cardiac catheter, that is threaded up into the heart from a small puncture in the groin. For patients, there is no restriction on arm movement, or a visible lump or scar on the chest – making it especially appealing to smaller-frame patients and those seeking a more discreet solution.
Why Leadless Pacemakers Are a Game-Changer for More Patients
The benefits are significant: reduced risk of infection, fewer complications and a more comfortable recovery. Because the procedure is less invasive, patients may have a shorter hospital stay and quicker return to normal activity.
“This is a great advance in pacing technology for patients, with far fewer worries about infections or issues from wires down the track,” said Dr Perel.
The leadless pacemaker is designed for patients with specific heart rhythm issues, such as slow heart rates, or those with a history of complications from traditional pacemakers. It has a projected battery life of up to 15 years and in most cases is compatible with MRI scans.
QCG Cardiac Electrophysiologists at the Forefront of Innovative Heart Rhythm Technology
This new generation of pacemaker technology gives patients a safer, less invasive alternative with clear day-to-day benefits. It reflects QCG’s cardiologists’ commitment to staying at the forefront of leading technologies that continue to advance and personalise cardiac care.
“In just the last couple years, we’ve seen enormous progress in heart rhythm technologies,” said Dr Perel. “Between the arrival of leadless pacemakers and new ablation technology like pulsed field ablation, we’re making procedures safer, faster, and suitable for a broader range of patients. It’s a really exciting time in cardiac electrophysiology.”
For more information or to book a consultation, patients and referrers can contact QCG or visit QCG.
Media enquiries and interview requests with Dr Robert Perel are welcome via QCG Media Contact.
