DOCTORS at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (UHB) have successfully fitted a ‘leadless’ pacemaker for the very first time in Wales.
The groundbreaking procedure, which was performed on a 63-year-old patient, took just 50 minutes and was carried out under local anaesthetic by a single operator. There were no complications, and the patient was discharged the following day.
A leadless pacemaker is a small, self-contained device implanted directly into the heart through a vein in the groin or neck. Unlike traditional pacemakers, which have wires and a pulse generator implanted under the skin, leadless pacemakers are entirely contained within the heart. They are tiny, leave no visible signs, and contain no wires.
The device has a service life of 17 years or more—double that of a conventional pacemaker’s battery life.
A spokesperson for the UHB said: “A leadless pacemaker costs around £5,000 more than a conventional device. In order to access the technology, the team applied for and was successful in getting £50,000 of funding from Cardiff and Vale UHB’s Value in Health Programme.
“Despite the higher initial cost, the team believes that this innovation will meet the needs of patients who cannot have conventional pacemakers, reducing the need for lengthy hospital stays and complex therapies.
“The technology is expected to generate savings of over £650,000 a year.”
Cardiologist Dr Fong Leong, who performed the procedure, said: “My patient and I would like to thank everyone involved for making this procedure happen. This first-in-Wales implant of a novel leadless pacemaker marks a significant milestone in the treatment of patients with slow heart rates.
“The device is smaller than a pen cap but has a battery life that might last more than 20 years for some. There is no scar on the chest, and no wires in the heart. It’s exciting technology, and I’m thrilled that it’s now available at the University Hospital of Wales.”
This achievement marks a significant advancement in cardiac care in Wales, showcasing the potential of innovative medical technologies supported by Value in Health initiatives.
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