Leadless Cardiac Pacemakers: The Next Evolution in Pacemaker Technology

Implantable pacemakers stand as a mainstay in our therapeutic arsenal, affording those suffering from advanced cardiac conduction system disease both an improved quality of life and reduced mortality. Annually, over 225,000 new pacemakers are implanted in the United States for bradyarrhythmias and heart block. The first implantable transvenous pacemakers appeared in 1965; they were bulky devices, hobbled by a short battery life, and a single pacing mode. Modern transvenous pacemakers have evolved considerably with significant improvements in battery life, pacing options, and lead technology but are still subject to a spectrum of complications stemming from either the subcutaneous pocket or the leads, including: hematoma, infection, wound dehiscence, pneumothorax, cardiac tamponade, lead dislodgment, upper extremity deep vein thrombosis, lead failure, venous obstruction, tricuspid valve insufficiency, and endocarditis. Single-chamber right ventricular (RV) leadless cardiac pacemakers, a concept from the past, has been revitalized to address these complications. Improvements in battery life, device miniaturization, catheter-based delivery tools, and advanced programming have made leadless cardiac pacemakers a viable option. In this review, we will discuss single-component leadless cardiac pacemaker technology, provide an overview of the two approved devices, and discuss their benefits as well as their limitations. [Full article available at http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal-2017-11.asp].