Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : February 29, 2016 10:29 AM IST
The wait might be over for the World s smallest pacemaker as it might hit the markets soon in June. Unlike the conventional one, this wireless pacemaker is slightly lighter than a two-rupee coin and bigger than a matchstick. Although it has the same efficacy as that of the traditional one, it is priced at a higher price than the current one. However, the pacemaker uses improved technology and might benefit people suffering from cardiac problems in the long run.
A pacemaker works by stimulating the heart muscle in people with a slow or irregular heartbeat. With accurately timed discharge fo electricity that helps the heart to beat normally, the new one, Micra Transcatheter Pacing System (TPS), is one-tenth in size of the conventional pacemakers. Here's more on pacemaker you need to know.
How the device works?
The new pacemaker is comparatively smaller in size than the conventional one and hence, can be implanted without any incision or surgery. It is attached to the heart through a small tine and delivers electrical impulses to the heart through an electrode situated at the end of the device. With an estimated battery life of more than 12 years, it requires minimal invasive procedure i,e; it can be delivered through a catheter inserted in the femoral vein.
Atul Mathur, director of interventional Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi says, The conventional pacemaker has wires or leads, which often become cumbersome as they form a clump and hence cannot be taken out. But the current one has no wires and hence, implants will become easier. As it has no incision, the complications that might arise in the long run are comparatively low. Moreover, it allows the patient to undergo MRI scans of the entire body, which is not possible in the conventional one. Also read about tachycardia or increased heart rate 5 causes you should know.
How much does it cost?
Well, as compared to the traditional one, the new pacemaker is slightly expensive. Whereas the existing pacemakers cost around Rs 1.5 lakh, the TPS is priced at Rs 2.5 lakh. However, there are high chances that the prices might come down with time, says experts.
