Leadless Pacemakers

Heart rhythm specialists (electrophysiologists) with The Heart Group of Lancaster General Health were among the first in the nation to offer Micra®, a leadless pacemaker, while the device was still in clinical trials. Micra treats heart arrhythmias without the need for leads (wires) in the veins that traditional pacemakers use. We’ve been implanting this leadless pacemaker for nearly a decade, which makes our team among the most experienced in the country.

What Is Micra?

Micra is the world’s smallest leadless pacemaker. The pacemaker’s generator and electrodes are in a self-contained device that’s about the size and shape of a vitamin. Our doctors implant the device into the heart’s lower right pumping chamber (the ventricle).

Traditional pacemakers have leads that carry signals from a generator placed underneath your skin to your heart. The leads travel through a large vein in your chest.

Our doctors implant Micra using a minimally invasive technique that places the device through an IV in the leg. We don’t open your chest. This approach helps you recover faster with less pain, blood loss, scarring and other complications. Because the device is inside your heart, there’s no detectable bump underneath your skin. Micra is also MRI-compatible, which means you can safely get these scans when necessary.

Leadless Pacemakers: The Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Advantage

Our heart doctors have extensive experience with Micra. Leadless pacemakers are one of many potential specialized treatments we offer for people experiencing arrhythmias.

We also offer:

• Access to the latest devices: Our participation in heart and vascular clinical trials and research gives you access to advanced treatment options. Our early involvement in the Micra clinical trial enabled central Pennsylvania residents to get the new device before it was available to the general public. We’re now taking part in a clinical trial for a dual-chamber leadless pacemaker that stimulates both the upper and lower right heart chambers.
• Dedicated heart rhythm program: Our doctors perform advanced electrophysiology (EP) studies in the Lancaster region’s only dedicated EP Clinic. These studies help us pinpoint the cause of an arrhythmia and decide if a leadless pacemaker can help you.
• Comprehensive arrhythmia treatments: We offer a complete suite of heart rhythm devices, including traditional pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Our doctors also specialize in heart ablation procedures, and placement of the WATCHMAN™ device to lower stroke risk. Whatever the diagnosis, we have the skills and treatments to help.
• Same-day discharge: We developed and implemented protocols (now emulated at all Penn Medicine hospitals) that help you go home the same day you get a leadless pacemaker. Our team ensures you get the care you need while recovering at our hospital and at home.

Why You Might Need a Leadless Pacemaker

Leadless pacemakers help people who have:

• Atrial fibrillation (A-Fib), a fast or irregular heart rate
• Bradycardia, slow heart rate
• Heart block, slow electrical signals between the heart chambers

Contact Us

To learn more our EP Clinic and leadless pacemaker services, call 717-544-8300.