NHS Golden Jubilee setting the pace for pioneering heart treatment 

More Scottish patients are set to benefit from a pioneering heart pacemaker that is 10 times smaller than traditional implants and reducing the risk of future complications. 

Cardiologists at the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital in Clydebank have begun implanting a new and innovative pacemaker into the hearts of patients who suffer from a slower than normal heart rate. 

Traditional pacemakers are comprised of a generator that sits under the collarbone and connecting leads that are fed down into the heart via the veins and are implanted into the heart.  

The AVEIR VR leadless pacemaker system by Abbott involves only a small device that sits within the heart chamber. This removes the risk of lead complications and generator chest pocket infections.   

As a hospital which manages all heart and lung surgery for the west of Scotland, as well as three national heart and lung services, including the country’s only adult heart transplantation unit, NHS Golden Jubilee embraces innovation which benefits patients from across the country. 

Consultant Cardiologist, Dr Gareth Padfield, explained the benefits for patients having a leadless pacemaker compared to the conventional lead pacemaker. 

He said: “The leadless pacemaker is a much smaller device and is implanted directly within the heart’s right ventricle, so there wouldn't be a scar or generator under the clavicle.  

“One of the main advantages of a leadless pacemaker is that no leads that are liable to get infected or broken. With conventional pacemakers, infections are most frequently where the generator is situated, under the clavicle, and leads under the clavicle can also become crushed and fractured. Damaged or infected leads may need to be extracted which can be dangerous, or additional leads need to be inserted into the heart.   

“Another main advantage is its battery longevity. The traditional pacemaker battery would last around 10 years, however, the single chamber leadless pacemaker has a projected battery longevity of around 18 years, with some having projected longevity in excess of 25 years. 

“The new leadless pacemaker also has the capacity to be paired up with another leadless device, which can be implanted in the atrium. This is a significant development in leadless pacemaker technology.” 

Alistair McGowan, 42, became one of the first Scottish patients to benefit from this new leadless pacemaker.  

Alistair, an Operations Director, from Largs, has experienced heart rhythm issues and an Atrioventricular (AV) block, and had a pacemaker implanted when he was 24, followed by a second pacemaker implanted 3 years ago to help his heart maintain a consistent rhythm.  

Specialists at NHS Golden Jubilee decided to implant the new leadless pacemaker after Alastair’s second one became infected and had to be removed. 

Alistair said: “The procedure itself was plain sailing and the fact that you don't have a box protruding or have leads reduces the risk of infection or fear that the box might catch on something. It’s night and day compared to the previous pacemakers I've had. 

“Post-implantation I have felt absolutely fine with no fainting or dizzy episodes that I experienced in the past, it's like I've returned to normal. 

“I like to go to the gym and exercise and keep fit, but I spent the last year in hospital and was then housebound as I couldn't drive. My plans now are to get a bit more active, to be running again and playing golf.  

“This is another benefit of the leadless pacemaker as there are no restrictions in movement, and you can move freely.” 

The leadless pacemaker also helps patients who can’t have pacemakers with leads as they cause complications for cardiologists to access the heart in the conventional way during surgery. 

NHS Golden Jubilee’s Medical Director, Mark MacGregor, added: “At the heart of everything we do is the patient, and this new leadless pacemaker is a fantastic example of how innovation can make a real difference to people’s lives.  

“As a regional and national heart and lung centre, NHS Golden Jubilee is proud to be leading the way in adopting technologies that improve outcomes and support people to return to full and active lives. It’s about helping people get back to doing the things they love – whether that’s returning to work, exercising, or simply enjoying time with family – with confidence and peace of mind.”