Small device, big impact: Baptist Health offers leadless pacemaker technology

Baptist Health has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding access to innovative heart rhythm treatments in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia with the completion of its first commercial implantation of an atrial leadless pacemaker. The milestone follows Baptist Health’s participation in a clinical trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of this new, minimally invasive pace technology system. Baptist Health was the first health system in Jacksonville to participate in the study.

“This is a big step forward in patient care at Baptist Health,” said clinical cardiac electrophysiologist Steven Ross, MD, who recently performed the health system’s first commercial procedure. “It allows us to treat patients with certain types of heart rhythm abnormalities with a minimally invasive approach that can be safer and more comfortable.”

Shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times

This new, FDA-approved leadless pacemaker is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional pacemakers. Traditional pacemakers use thin wires, called leads, which are placed into the heart through a small surgical incision in the chest and deliver electrical impulses to help restore a normal heart rhythm. This new leadless device is smaller than a AAA battery and is placed directly into the heart through a small catheter in the leg. It leaves no visible bump or scar on the chest and offers several benefits, including shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times for patients.

This new device is part of a dual-chamber system where an atrial unit and a ventricular unit work together to help the upper and lower chambers of the heart beat in sync. By communicating wirelessly, these units support a more natural and efficient heartbeat, improving the heart’s overall coordination and function.

Leadless pacemakers are specifically designed to treat slow heart rhythms and offer a new option for patients who may not have been candidates for earlier versions of the technology or were hoping for a less invasive treatment option.

A normal heart beats regularly at a rate of 60 to 100 times per minute. Patients needing pacemakers often experience irregular or slow heartbeats. Symptoms of an irregular heartbeat include dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, discomfort while exercising or feeling like your heart is skipping a beat. It is important to address these symptoms promptly to reduce one’s risk of heart failure, cardiac arrest or stroke. Patients with heart rhythm disorders are typically referred to a cardiac electrophysiologist -- a specialist in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the heart’s electrical system.

Driving medical innovation through research and clinical trials

“By participating in cutting-edge clinical trials, we’re helping drive medical innovation while bringing tomorrow’s technology to our patients today,” said Matthew McKillop, MD, FACC, FHRS, medical director of the electrophysiology program at Baptist Health. “We want the community to know that Baptist Health’s Heart Rhythm Center is the place to come for advanced heart rhythm care in our region.”

The Heart Rhythm Center, located at Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, opened its doors in 2023. Its dedicated team of caregivers and physicians have specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of all heart rhythm disorders. The 14,400-square-foot facility includes three hybrid operating rooms equipped with the latest imaging and surgical technology, ten patient rooms with scenic views of the St. Johns River and a family lounge to make everyone’s stay comfortable.

“The experts delivering innovative cardiac services to the patients of our region are doing so with high quality and excellent service,” said Nicole Thomas, MHA, FACHE, hospital president of Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville. “This reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring our community has access to the very best care – right here, without having to travel.”

To learn more or to schedule an appointment with a heart specialist, visit baptistjax.com/heart or call 904.202.0799.