World's Smallest Pacemaker Now Available at Saint Agnes

On July 27, just hours after receiving the first and only leadless pacemaker available in the United States, Winifred McCoy was all smiles and feeling stronger than she has in months. The 83-year-old Saint Agnes patient is the first in the Valley to receive the only leadless pacemaker available in the United States – the Micra® Transcatheter Pacing System (TPS). Comparable in size to a large vitamin, the Micra TPS provides patients with the most advanced pacing technology at one-tenth the size of a traditional pacemaker.

“It’s a quantum leap for patient care,” says Cardiologist Jagroop Basraon, DO. “There’s no incision, no prolonged recovery, and patients can go home within 3-4 hours of having the procedure.”

Watch the ABC30 Action News Micra Story

The Micra is designed for patients, like Winifred, who suffer from Bradycardia – a slow or irregular heart rhythm, usually fewer than 60 beats per minute. At this rate, the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the body during normal activity or exercise, causing dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath or fainting spells. Pacemakers are the most common way to treat bradycardia to help restore the heart’s normal rhythm and relieve symptoms by sending electrical impulses to the heart to increase the heart rate.

“When I found out I needed a pacemaker, I thought, 'Oh no, I’ll be tied down for 4-6 weeks',” says Winifred. “Then, Dr. Basraon told me about this new pacemaker and I was thrilled.”

Electrophysiologists Dr. Basraon and John Telles, MD, of The Heart Group of Fresno, are the area’s only cardiologists with the specialized training required to implant the new Micra device.

How it works

Unlike traditional pacemakers, the Micra TPS does not require cardiac wires (leads) or a surgical “pocket” under the skin to deliver a pacing therapy. Instead, a catheter is inserted through the groin and the tiny device is threaded through it and implanted directly into the heart with small tines, providing a safe alternative to conventional pacemakers without the complications associated with leads – all while being cosmetically invisible.

The entire procedure only takes about 25 minutes and, once implanted, the device begins working immediately to keep the heart in rhythm. Winifred can attest to that: “I already feel stronger and am looking forward to getting back to doing all the things I like to do.”

“This innovative technology is a significant advancement in cardiac care and we’re proud to be able to offer it to Valley patients,” says Dr. Basraon.