URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) – OSF Hospital in Urbana is celebrating the discovery of a new pacemaker, which makes it easier on patients and their hearts. The new technology is smaller and leadless, which means installation is less invasive. Pacemakers usually use a post-it note-sized battery with wires leading out to the heart. Now, just two of small pods inserted inside the top and bottom chambers of the heart is all that is needed. That means no wires, battery, or scars.
Seventy-five-year-old Michael Burk learned he needed a pacemaker after heart bypass surgery. “I put my head on my shoulder, and I would listen to my heart, and I’d go about four beats and stop,” he said. Doctors at OSF in Urbana told him that he needed a pacemaker. His doctor, Dr. Michael Broman, said it’s smaller and safer, which reduces risks on installation. “Now, he doesn’t have to worry about taking it easy with his arms. He doesn’t have to worry about an infection at the battery site. He doesn’t have to worry about bleeding or that stitch coming open. We’ve had leadless pacing for a while, but it’s the technology that allows the two batteries to talk to each other inside the heart that really has revolutionized pacing.
Burk’s doctors expect that walking and breathing get even easier for him moving forward.