The Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute (TCAI) at St. David’s Medical Center electrophysiologists have achieved a significant milestone by being the first medical team in the US to implant a novel, FDA-approved leadless device intended to provide cardiac resynchronization therapy to patients with heart failure. This therapy plays a vital role in improving the synchronization of heart contractions, thereby restoring a healthier and more regular heartbeat. The first successful procedure using this new technology was recently carried out by Dr. Robert Canby, a cardiac electrophysiologist at TCAI.
According to Dr. Andrea Natale, Executive Medical Director at TCAI and a recognized leader in cardiac electrophysiology, this leadless device marks a significant step forward for patients suffering from heart rhythm disorders, particularly for those who previously lacked effective cardiac resynchronization options. Dr. Natale emphasized the institute’s ongoing commitment to offering the latest evidence-based treatments to patients worldwide, noting that this milestone, achieved under Dr. Canby’s expertise, reflects that dedication in practice.
Unlike conventional cardiac resynchronization therapy, which relies on leads—thin, flexible wires inserted into the heart—the newly implanted system operates without any leads. The gadget is implanted straight into the tissue of the left ventricle, the heart’s primary pumping chamber. It is minuscule, roughly the size of a rice grain, and wireless. Once in place, the device utilizes ultrasound energy, converting it into electrical pulses that stimulate the heart muscle, improving both rhythm and pumping function.
One of the key advantages of this leadless approach is the flexibility it offers in placement, allowing treatment access to patients who may not have been candidates for traditional therapies using lead-based systems. The direct endocardial pacing offered by this device provides a more straightforward and effective solution to managing heart failure.
TCAI remains at the forefront of electrophysiological advancements, operating within a cutting-edge center that houses six advanced laboratories. Under the leadership of Dr. Natale, a globally respected authority in electrophysiology, the institute continues to perform some of the most complex procedures in the field, maintaining its position as a leader in cardiac care innovation.
