Dr. Irving Tiong and team.
On June 22, 2023, Dr. Irving Tiong, with the aid of the highly organized and professional laboratory team at Humber River Health (Humber), implanted its first Abbott Aveir™ Leadless Pacemaker (LP). With this achievement, Humber has proudly joined the ranks of nine centres across Canada, and only the second in Ontario, to implant a commercially available Aveir™ LP.
The Aveir™ LP is a revolutionary device, bringing transformative changes to traditional pacemaker technology. Unlike its predecessors, the Aveir™ LP has no lead and is screwed directly into the heart, which significantly decreases the risk of infection and eliminates complications related to lead fracture. The arm movement restrictions, usually imposed post-implant, are no longer necessary, making it a game-changer in patient recovery and lifestyle maintenance. Furthermore, this pacemaker is also fully retrievable should the device require replacement.
At just 38 millimeters, this device is smaller than a standard AAA battery, yet boasts more than double the battery capacity of current leadless pacemakers, promising long-lasting performance. The device is implanted in the heart through a minimally invasive catheter procedure, reducing the risk of post-surgical complications and promoting faster recovery. Moreover, the Aveir™ LP has a unique mapping capability, designed to help reduce the number of repositioning attempts. With fewer lead-related complications compared to transvenous pacemakers, this technology takes a significant stride in ensuring patient safety and comfort.
Throughout the years, pacemakers have become increasing sophisticated, smaller and more energy-efficient. With the introduction of leadless pacemakers like Aveir™ LP, the technology has taken another leap forward. Patients equipped with the Aveir™ LP have no visible or physical reminder of a pacemaker under their skin, and fewer post-implant activity restrictions. This empowers them to continue living their lives to the fullest, with minimal disruption or discomfort. This device is the next evolution in leadless technology, as it signifies a new era of advanced cardiac care at Humber and represents a hopeful future for heart patients.
The successful incorporation of the Aveir™ LP aligns with Humber's mission of leveraging cutting-edge technology to promote exceptional patient-centered care. In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, where technology and medical expertise converge to redefine possibilities, Humber proudly stands at the forefront of innovation. The organization will continue to adopt and adapt advanced technological solutions to elevate patient care and outcomes, and this recent milestone is a testament to this commitment.