Medtronic backs infant-sized miniature pacer

Medtronic (NYSE:MDT) is collaborating with researchers at the Children’s National Health System to develop a miniature pacemaker intended for use with infants. The prototype version of the device was presented at the American Heart Association’s 2018 Scientific Sessions by Dr. Rohan Kumthekar of the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, part of the Children’s National Health System. The newly developed miniature pacer is designed to be implanted through a 1 cm incision just below the ribcage, eliminating the need for open-chest surgery, according to a CNHS report. The device is implanted with the help of a two-channel, self-anchoring access port which allows operators to insert a camera to directly visualize the procedure. A narrow sheath can then be inserted through the second channel to access the pericardial sac where the leadlet can be affixed to the surface of the heart. The median time from incision to implantation in the thoracoscopic surgery study was 21 minutes, with the procedure taking less than an hour on average, much shorter than the average open-chest surgery which can take multiple hours. Researchers think that the miniature pacers and approach may also aid in treating adult patients with limited vascular access. “As cardiologists and pediatric surgeons, our goal is to put a child’s health and comfort first. Advancements in surgical fields are tending toward procedures that are less and less invasive. There are ma...
Source: Mass Device - Category: Medical Devices Authors: Tags: Cardiac Assist Devices Cardiac Implants Cardiovascular Research & Development Medtronic Source Type: news