Kuala Lumpur:Patients with vascular issues or certain physical conditions now have an alternative for undergoing leadless pacemaker implantation through transjugular access, following the first successful implementation of this procedure at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this method offers a new route for patients who are not suitable for the conventional approach, typically performed via the blood vessels in the thigh for Micra leadless pacemaker implantation. HCTM reported that the procedure was successfully carried out on Wednesday, establishing it as a pioneer among university teaching hospitals in Malaysia.

Dr. Mohd Asyiq Al-Fard Mohd Raffali, a cardiologist and electrophysiologist at HCTM, highlighted the success as a demonstration of the capability of local specialists in advanced cardiovascular interventional technology. The procedure was conducted with guidance and technical collaboration from Prof. Dr. Liu Jun from Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China. The Micra pacemaker was implanted into the patient's heart cavity in a single deployment attempt.

The procedure was performed on two patients, a man in his 70s and a woman in her 80s, both suffering from a slow heart rate, after thorough examinations and clinical assessments. HCTM explained that while the Micra leadless pacemaker is usually implanted through a vein in the thigh, transjugular access provides an alternative for patients with vascular obstructions or complex anatomy, allowing the pacemaker to be placed directly into the right ventricle without the need for implanted leads or a chest surgical pocket.

This approach also has the potential to enhance patient mobility sooner after the procedure, improving comfort during recovery. The success underscores HCTM UKM's dedication to innovation in cardiology treatment in Malaysia, while fostering technology and expertise transfer through international collaborations.