Jugular Vein Access Opens New Option For Leadless Pacemaker Implantation

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- Patients with vascular problems or certain physical conditions now have an option to undergo a leadless pacemaker implantation procedure via transjugular access, following the successful first-ever implementation of the procedure at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

The method provides an alternative route for patients who may not be suitable for the conventional approach through blood vessels in the thigh, which is commonly used for the implantation of a Micra leadless pacemaker.

HCTM said in a statement today that the procedure using transjugular access was successfully performed on Wednesday (Oct 14), establishing it as a pioneer of this technique among university teaching hospitals in Malaysia.

HCTM cardiologist and electrophysiologist Dr Mohd Asyiq Al-Fard Mohd Raffali said the success demonstrated the capability of local specialists in handling advanced cardiovascular interventional technology.

“With guidance and technical collaboration from internationally renowned expert Prof Dr Liu Jun from Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China, HCTM successfully implanted the Micra pacemaker into the patient’s heart cavity in a single deployment attempt,” he said in the statement.

The procedure was performed on two patients, a man in his 70s and a woman in her 80s who both suffered from a slow heart rate, following follow-up examinations and comprehensive clinical assessments.

HCTM said the Micra leadless pacemaker is usually implanted through a vein in the thigh using transfemoral access, but for patients with vascular obstructions or complex anatomy, access through the internal jugular vein serves as an alternative route to place the pacemaker directly into the right ventricle without the need for implanted leads or a surgical pocket in the chest.

This method also has the potential to allow patients to become mobile sooner following the procedure, thus improving their comfort during recovery

The success reflects HCTM UKM’s commitment to driving innovation in cardiology treatment in Malaysia, while strengthening the transfer of technology and expertise through collaborations with international specialists.

-- BERNAMA