St. Michael touts new pacemaker

Dr. Kevin Hayes, St. Michael electrophysiology lab medical director and cardiac electrophysiologist, holds up the Micra transcatheter pacemaker, which is about the size of a vitamin pill. It is 93 percent smaller than traditional pacemakers. (Submitted photo)
Dr. Kevin Hayes, St. Michael electrophysiology lab medical director and cardiac electrophysiologist, holds up the Micra transcatheter pacemaker, which is about the size of a vitamin pill. It is 93 percent smaller than traditional pacemakers. (Submitted photo)

CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System recently began offering the Micra transcatheter pacemaker, a pacemaker about the size of a vitamin pill.

A minimally invasive approach can be used when implanting the Micra and it is completely self-contained within the heart with no lead wires to the device required. It is is 93 percent smaller than traditional pacemakers which results in no chest scar or bump for the patient after surgery, no bump or visible or physical reminder of the pacemaker being in place, as well as fewer post-implant restrictions.

Pacemakers are recommended for many reasons including bradycardia and heart block.

"When the heart beats too slowly, a condition known as bradycardia, patients may experience various symptoms," said Dr. Kevin Hayes, St. Michael electrophysiology lab medical director and cardiac electrophysiologist. "These symptoms including dizziness, fainting, chronic lack of energy and shortness of breath. Properly evaluating them can help your doctor access the severity of your heart condition and determine the appropriate treatment for you."

"The patients of the Texarkana region are truly blessed to have access to this technology available at St. Michael," Hayes said. "We can offer advanced technology like the Micra in a state-of-the-art facility like our EP lab, and provide the high-quality care patients deserve, without the need for them to travel to get the very best."

ReJeana Squyres recently had the small pacemaker implanted after experiencing a problem with her heart that resulted in it stopping beating three times.

"Dr. Hayes showed us the Micra pacemaker and a standard pacemaker and explained the benefits," Squyres said. "We decided to go with the Micra and I was awake when Dr. Hayes implanted the pacemaker. The procedure was fast, less invasive, and I really didn't experience any discomfort."

She said she felt better almost immediately and can't even tell the pacemaker is there.

"I didn't know what to expect. I was dreading the procedure," she said. "But it was just a matter of a small incision at the groin and I am excited to know that such a small device can help make sure my heart beats as it should."

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