Outcomes 2016 - Baylor Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital FY 2016 | Page 35

Robert C. Kowal, MD, PhD
Co-Medical Director of
Cardiac Electrophysiology,
worked closely with a team of
investigators on the world’s
smallest pacemaker called the
Micra ™ Transcatheter Pacing
System, which received FDA
approval in fiscal year 2016.
ON THE FOREFRONT OF LEADLESS PACERS
Robert C. Kowal, MD, PhD, Co-Medical
Director of Cardiac Electrophysiology,
worked closely with a team of investigators
on the world’s smallest pacemaker called
the Micra™ Transcatheter Pacing System
produced by Medtronic.
Receiving FDA approval in fiscal year
2016, Dr. Kowal and others helped score
(Pictured at actual size. Micra is 93% smaller
an industry first with U.S. approval for
than conventional pacemakers)
commercial use of the leadless pacemaker,
Micra. The size of a nickel or paperclip,
Micra represents the first entry in what may become a new class of slender,
minimally invasive pacemakers that rest entirely inside the heart. Micra attaches to
the inner heart wall directly, avoiding the need for insulated wires called leads to
deliver the pacemaker’s electric pulses. Leads have been called the “Achilles’ heel” of
pacemakers because they can wear out and create infection risk.
MICRA ™ TRANSCATHETER
PACING SYSTEM
Dr. Kowal was involved in the global clinical trial since the beginning for this type of
leadless pacemaker that is placed directly into the right ventricle. He also joined other
electrophysiologists to present information regarding the importance of physician
training as a part of the single-chamber device’s launch at a meeting with the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration before they granted approval for Micra’s use.
Historically,
we’ve been a
training site for
atrial ablation.
Having several
‘firsts’ during
fiscal year 2016
in our long list of ‘firsts’ in the
field of cardiac electrophysiology
continues the tradition at Baylor
Hamilton Heart and Vascular
Hospital of being in the forefront
of cardiology. We are pleased
to have advanced technology
available as a treatment option for
A-fib patients.
Kevin Wheelan, MD, FACC
Chief of Medical Staff; Co-
Medical Director of Cardiology
A traditional pacemaker is placed in a “pocket” of skin near the shoulder, and
connects to leads strung through major blood vessels to deliver electric pulses to
the heart. In contrast, leadless pacemakers fit in a flexible tube the size of a large
drinking straw, which is advanced into the heart from a small incision in the leg.
Tiny bits of metal on the end of the pacemaker hook or screw into the heart tissue.
“Physician training led by the manufacturer was robust. I think that is part of
the reason why none of the 725 Micra devices implanted during the trial became
dislodged in the heart,” says Dr. Kowal.
OUTCOMES 2016
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