The device was successfully implanted at NYU Langone Medical Centre by Larry Chinitz, M.D., director of the Heart Rhythm Centre at NYU Langone Medical Centre in New York City, as part of the Medtronic global pivotal clinical trial. The Micra TPS is an investigational device worldwide.
At one-tenth the size of a conventional pacemaker, and comparable in size to a large vitamin, the Micra TPS is delivered directly into the heart through a catheter inserted in the femoral vein. Once positioned, the pacemaker is securely attached to the heart wall and can be repositioned or retrieved if needed. The miniature device does not require the use of wires, known as ‘leads’, to connect to the heart. Attached to the heart via small tines, the pacemaker delivers electrical impulses that pace the heart through an electrode at the end of the device.
"With its small size and minimally invasive procedure, this technology represents the future of pacing," said Dr Chinitz. "Eliminating the need for a lead and pocket has the potential to reduce complications and recovery times compared to traditional pacemaker implants, which would be a major benefit to patients."
In contrast to current pacemaker implant procedures, the Micra TPS implant does not require a surgical incision in the chest and the creation of a ‘pocket’ under the skin. This eliminates a potential source of device-related complications, and any visible sign of the device.
"Micra TPS is an example of the significant investment we have made in disruptive technology, specifically the miniaturization of implantable cardiac devices," said Pat Mackin, president of the Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management business and senior vice president at Medtronic. "Less invasive, miniature device technologies show strong promise in improving patient outcomes and implant procedure efficiency.
"The FDA’s interactive review with CRDM was a key part of the IDE application approval process, and through our global Micra TPS clinical trial, we intend to generate robust evidence of these benefits to patients and clinicians throughout the world."
