DeTar Healthcare System First in Victoria To Offer Dual Chamber Leadless Pacemaker

2/7/2025

DeTar Healthcare System is the first facility in Victoria, as well as the Crossroads region, to utilize a new dual chamber leadless pacemaker used to treat patients with bradycardia - a condition where the heart beats too slowly. This technology marks a significant advancement in cardiac care in the Crossroads, providing a safer, less invasive alternative to traditional pacemakers.

Unlike conventional pacemakers, which require leads to be implanted in the heart and connected to a pulse generator, the new leadless pacemaker is a self-contained device that is directly implanted into the heart. This minimally invasive procedure eliminates the need for chest incisions and leads, which can sometimes lead to complications. As a result, patients benefit from faster recovery times, fewer activity restrictions post-surgery, and an overall more comfortable experience.

According to Jolene Balboa, RN, Director of Cardiovascular Services at DeTar, the organization has utilized single leadless pacemakers since 2022 and now offers dual chamber leadless pacemakers. “The single chamber leadless pacemakers only control heart rhythm in one chamber of the heart whereas the newly offered dual chamber leadless pacemaker stimulates both the upper and the lower chambers of the heart,” said Balboa.

Dr. Jasvinder Sidhu, an electrophysiologist and cardiologist with DeTar, performed Victoria's first dual-chamber leadless pacemaker implantation on January 24, 2025. He highlighted the significant benefits of this technology in improving patient outcomes. “At DeTar, reducing complications is always a top priority,” said Dr. Sidhu. “The dual-chamber leadless pacemaker allows us to sense and pace both heart chambers, as well as providing dual chamber synchrony. This innovation leads to faster recovery times and better long-term cardiac care for our patients.”

Each device is implanted directly into the heart chamber using a minimally invasive approach that does not require the use of leads. The leadless pacemaker’s compact design eliminates the risks associated with traditional pacemakers, such as infection, lead dislodgement, and complications from the chest scar or bump left behind by conventional pacemaker implants. In addition to reducing these risks, patients usually have fewer activity restrictions post-implant.

Bernard Leger, CEO of DeTar Healthcare System, shared his enthusiasm for the new technology: “Starting with leadless single chamber pacemakers in 2022 and now offering dual chamber leadless pacemakers at DeTar is a great example of how DeTar is transforming the patient experience, offering not only innovative treatments, but also a better quality of life for those in need. This technology allows us to provide our patients with safer, more effective cardiac care options without needing to travel far from home.”

In addition to improving safety, the dual chamber leadless pacemaker offers a significant advancement in battery life. The device has a projected median longevity of 16.7 years—36% longer than its predecessor. This extended battery life means that more than 80% of patients will only need one pacemaker for life, simplifying long-term care and reducing the need for future surgeries.

For more information about the leadless pacemaker and DeTar’s cardiac care team, visit https://www.detar.com/cardiac-care.

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