Saint Agnes first in the Valley to utilize AVEIR™ DR Dual Chamber Leadless Pacemaker

Fresno, CA—Earlier this year, Saint Agnes performed its first procedure to place an AVEIR™ DR Dual Chamber Leadless Pacemaker, becoming the first hospital in the Central Valley to offer this innovative treatment for slow heart rhythms, arrhythmias and heart failure.

The newly FDA-approved device is implanted via a catheter inserted through the femoral artery, which completely eliminates scarring on the chest, does not interfere with MRI or metal-detectors, and significantly reduces recovery times for patients.

Unlike a traditional pacemaker, the AVEIR™ DR has no wires, so the entire device is able to fit within the heart and is not visible under the skin. The system utilizes two devices – one placed in the upper chamber, and one placed in the lower chamber – that synchronize both sides of the heart for effective and accurate rhythm management.

“Leadless pacemakers have been around for a while now, but up until now, they have only been able to pace the bottom chambers,” says Dr. Dalpinder Sandhu, Fresno-area Cardiologist. “For a majority of patients, a single chamber pacemaker would not effectively resolve their rhythm issues. The dual chamber device is a game changer for these patients who otherwise would not qualify for treatment.”

Throughout its 95-year history, Saint Agnes has remained committed to bringing the most advanced technology to the Valley to ensure our patients can get the specialized treatment they need without leaving home.

“For most folks who need a pacemaker, it’s usually an urgent or very emergent procedure to treat a blockage or slow heart rate. Having these devices available locally helps patients get the emergent care they need faster,” says Dr. Sandhu.

“In the spirit of our Catholic identity and our mission to care for our patients – body, mind and spirit – we want to bring technology like the AVEIR™ DR to Fresno so patients don’t have to travel,” says Glyniss D’Mello, Saint Agnes Director of Telemetry & Cardiovascular Services. “These advancements help to promote wellness for our patients and improve the overall health and quality of life in our community.”

To learn more about the AVEIR™ DR, click here.