Medtronic announces first implant of Micra pacemaker

Medtronic has announced the first in-human implant of its groundbreaking Micra Transcatheter Pacing System (TPS) in a patient in Linz, Austria.

The investigational device is the world's smallest pacemaker and has been implanted as part of a Medtronic global pivotal clinical trial, which will enrol up to 780 patients across approximately 50 centres worldwide.

Micra TPS is one-tenth the size of a conventional pacemaker, comparable in size to a large vitamin, and is delivered directly into the heart through a catheter inserted in the femoral vein. It does not require the use of wires and is securely attached to the heart wall.

Initial results from the first 60 patients in the trial, followed up to three months, are expected in the second half of 2014.

Pat Mackin, president of the cardiac rhythm disease management business and senior vice-president at Medtronic, said: "Through our global Micra TPS clinical trial, we intend to generate robust evidence of these benefits to patients and clinicians throughout the world."

This comes after the company presented data from a clinical study last month showing that its pacemakers with enhanced pacing features have the ability to slow the progression of atrial fibrillation.