No wires, no scars: Rare heart procedure performed in Dharwad

Pic: Dr Raghu Prasad from SDM Narayana Heart Centre Dharwad: In a significant leap for advanced cardiac treatment in the region, SDM Narayana Heart Centre has successfully carried out implantation of a leadless dual-chamber pacemaker, bringing cutting-edge heart care closer to patients who earlier depended on metropolitan hospitals.The procedure was performed by a cardiology team led by noted cardiologist Dr Raghu Prasad S on a 68-year-old patient suffering from severe bradycardia, a condition marked by an abnormally slow heart rate. The patient had been experiencing repeated episodes of unconsciousness and was admitted with a critically low heart rate of 30 beats per minute.Given the urgency and complexity of the case, doctors opted for the latest leadless dual-chamber pacemaker technology — a fully wireless system designed to overcome the limitations of conventional pacemakers.Unlike traditional devices that require surgical implantation in the chest along with wired leads, the new-generation pacemaker is implanted directly inside the heart using a minimally invasive catheter-based technique. The hour-long procedure was performed under local anaesthesia, with two small pacemaker capsules placed in the upper and lower right chambers of the heart through a catheter inserted via the groin.Dr Raghu Prasad said the technology significantly reduces complications associated with conventional pacemakers, such as infections, lead dislodgement and visible scarring. The absence of surgical pockets and wires ensures quicker recovery, minimal bleeding and improved patient comfort.According to the medical team, the device also offers a longer battery life of up to 17 years and is fully MRI-compatible, making it a safer and more durable option for patients requiring long-term cardiac rhythm management.The patient responded immediately to the treatment, with his heart rate stabilising to 70 beats per minute soon after the implantation. He was able to walk the next day and was discharged within 24 hours.Hospital authorities said the successful procedure marks a major milestone in making high-end cardiac technologies accessible within North Karnataka, reducing the need for patients to travel to cities like Bengaluru or Mumbai for specialised care.