New pacemaker is smaller and safer say Scots medics

SCOTTISH patients are set to benefit from a pioneering heart pacemaker that is 10 times smaller and lasts longer than traditional implants, reducing the risk of future complications.

- By Ross Thomson

Cardiologists at the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital in Clydebank have begun implanting a new and innovative pacemaker into the hearts of patients who suffer from a slower than normal heart rate.

Traditional pacemakers are comprised of a generator that sits under the collarbone and connecting leads that are fed down into the heart via the veins and are implanted into the heart.

The AVEIR VR leadless pacemaker system by Abbott involves only a small device that sits within the heart chamber. This removes the risk of lead complications and generator chest pocket infections.

As a hospital which manages all heart and lung surgery for the west of Scotland, as well as three national heart and lung services, including the country's only adult heart transplantation unit, NHS Golden Jubilee embraces innovation which benefits patients from across the country.

Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Dr Derek Connolly, who is also an Honorary Clinical Professor at the University of Glasgow, explained the benefits for patients having a leadless pacemaker compared to the

Battery