Mission Hospital first in Western North Carolina to offer leadless pacemaker

Asheville, N.C. — Mission Hospital has successfully implanted a new type of pacemaker that can help significantly more patients with slow or irregular heart rhythms — making it the first hospital in Western North Carolina to offer this advanced treatment.

Unlike traditional pacemakers, which require wires (called leads) and a surgical pocket under the skin, this new system is leadless and placed directly inside the heart using a minimally invasive procedure. For patients, this means fewer complications, less discomfort, and a faster recovery.

This technology is especially important because nearly 80% of people who need a pacemaker require support in two chambers of the heart — the upper chamber (atrium) and the lower chamber (ventricle). Until now, leadless pacemakers were typically limited to treating only one chamber. This new system can coordinate both chambers, allowing many more patients to benefit from a leadless approach.

“This advancement allows us to help many more people who need pacing in both chambers of the heart, while also reducing risks that can come with traditional pacemakers,” said Dr. John Brandt, who specializes in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology at Mission Health’s Asheville Cardiology Associates.  “Being the first hospital in Western North Carolina to offer this option means our patients can receive cutting-edge care close to home.”

The system works using two very small pacemakers, each about one-tenth the size of a traditional device. One is placed in the upper right chamber of the heart and the other in the lower right chamber. The two devices communicate with each other inside the body, allowing the heart to beat in a more natural, coordinated way. This communication happens through the body’s natural conductive properties, without wires or external signals.

For patients, the benefits can include:

• No visible pacemaker bump under the skin
• No leads that can break or cause infection
• Fewer movement restrictions after surgery
• A shorter recovery time
• A minimally invasive procedure with no chest incision

Mission Hospital plans to use this technology for patients who need dual-chamber pacing and are good candidates for a leadless approach, particularly those who may be at higher risk for complications from traditional pacemakers. The system is also designed so it can be retrieved or replaced in the future if a patient’s needs change.

By offering this new option, Mission Hospital continues its commitment to expanding access to advanced heart care and improving quality of life for patients across Western North Carolina.