World’s smallest pacemaker receives first UK implantation

A new medical device that is described as the world's smallest pacemaker has been fitted in the UK for the first time.

The wireless Micra Transcatheter Pacing System, created by Medtronic, is the size of a pill, or around one-tenth the size of traditional models. It can be implanted directly inside the wall of the heart by a catheter passed up through the groin.

Traditionally, pacemakers are inserted under the skin via an incision in the chest and connected to the heart using wires, making them prone to breakages of dislodging. By contrast, the new device delivers electrical impulses from an electrode, removing the need for leads.

A team at Southampton General Hospital have implanted the Micra system for the first time as part of a new clinical trial.

Professor John Morgan, who performed the first two procedures with colleague Dr Paul Roberts, said: "In addition to the advantages of the device's size and wireless technology, the procedure reduces the risk of infection and extended recovery time associated with traditional, more invasive surgical pacemaker implants."

The first ever implantation of the device took place in Austria at the end of last year. Results from the Medtronic-sponsored trial will be made available in the second half of the year.