Recently, the first implantation of the Micra Transcatheter Pacing System in the Zhejiang Province was successfully performed by Prof. Meixiang Xiang of SAHZU, marking the beginning of the new era of leadless pacemaker in Zhejiang.

As an effective treatment for abnormal heart rhythm, the pacemaker has been widely used in the world since its first implantation in 1958. The device consists of the leads and a pulse generator placed just under the skin of the chest. But over time, it could stop working properly because its leads get worn down, broken or dislodged. The patient might have bump, swelling or infection in the place where the pacemaker is placed or be facing the risks of endocarditis after the implantation. So in 1970s, the idea of leadless pacemaker has been brought forward. Leadless pacemaker means it does not have leads as its name shows. It also has the name of capsule pacemaker as it is small as a capsule.

The Micra transcatheter pacing system is the world’s smallest pacemaker now. Its pacing capsule only weighs 1.75g and measures 0.8cc in volume. Although less than 10 percent the size of a traditional pacemaker, it has all the traditional functions. It has VVIR mode and its battery could work as long as 12 years. It’s truly a small device but with big energy. More importantly, its technology allows the patient to be safely scanned using either a 1.5T or 3T full body MRI, which means it could work with the most advanced CT scanners in clinic up to now for all body parts examination. The technology of the Micra is everything about the state of the art.

Since approved for use by Europe and the USA in 2015 and 2016 respectively, the Micra transcatheter pacing system has been implanted in over 30,000 patients. Its safety and effectiveness can be guaranteed. Decrease in incidence of complications is also observed. SAHZU is one of the 7 hospitals that joined clinical trials for the Micra transcatheter pacing system before it entering China. The first batch of Chinese cardiologists traveled to the United States to have training about this device in 2018. Prof. Meixiang XIANG is among them and she is the first and only one in Zhejiang to be licensed to implant the Micra. So far, 6 patients have been implanted with the Micra in Zhejiang with an average age of 73.3 years old and 85 years old to be the oldest. The Micra was implanted via the femoral vein. Patients can move in bed 6 hours after the procedure and get out of bed 12 hours after. Currently, the Micra is waiting for the Chinese approval for use but it is believed that soon more patients could benefit from the Micra in near future.