The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust’s Cardiology and Interventional Radiology teams have achieved a West Midlands first by successfully implanting a leadless pacemaker in a patient at a local hospital, rather a specialist centre.
The procedure was carried out at Russells Hall Hospital in the Catheter Laboratory based within the Cardiology department. The Micra leadless pacemaker was successfully implanted onto the patient’s right ventricle in their heart by going through a vein in a procedure known as cardiac catheterisation.
Diane Wake, group chief executive for The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust said: “This is a huge achievement for our Trust and I am so proud that Russells Hall Hospital is the first local hospital and non-surgical centre in the West Midlands to perform this procedure. This will make a profound difference to our cardiac patients needing pacing support, and I congratulate the team on this incredible achievement.”
Dr Georgios Leventogiannis, consultant cardiologist who was part of the surgical team said:
“It was a straightforward and successful procedure. The patient recovered well and was discharged the same day. We hope that many procedures like this will be carried out by the cardiology implantation team going forward. The successful implantation of the leadless pacemaker confirms that Russells Hall Hospital can play an innovative and pioneering role in the NHS.”
The leadless pacemaker, developed by Medtronic, is a groundbreaking device that is much smaller than traditional pacemakers. Unlike older models, it doesn’t require patients to have wires fitted for it to work effectively. As well as being more comfortable and discreet, the leadless pacemaker is highly reliable, with a battery life of up to 12 years depending on the patient – meaning fewer replacement procedures are needed.
This innovation highlights how technology is transforming the way we care – making it faster, more efficient and more personalised. By placing digital tools and smart devices like that at the centre of healthcare, patients can feel confident they are getting the best possible care and improved experiences. This approach is also closely aligned with the NHS 10 Year Plan to move from analogue to digital, ensuring a more modern, responsive health service.
Neil Price, principal technical consultant from Medtronic said: “It’s been a privilege to work alongside the fantastic team at Russells Hall Hospital and support them in bringing the Micra leadless pacemaker to their patients. I’m incredibly proud and excited to have played a part in introducing this innovative therapy, which offers a truly minimally invasive option for patients needing pacing support.”
This type of device is not suitable for all patients and can only be used if deemed suitable following thorough assessment and review from the cardiology team.
The first patient to have the procedure done, chose to remain anonymous but said: “I was well informed about what was going to happen, everything was explained to me beforehand and I’m happy with how I’ve been treated. I was quite nervous but all the staff were kind and caring, I’ve been well looked after. The procedure was a lot quicker than I thought it would be”.
The Trust is now hoping to carry out more procedures of this kind and expand the service further for patients across the Black Country who are suitable and would benefit from having the leadless pacemaker.
