Phelps Health Offers the World’s Smallest Pacemakers

Nearly Half of All Pacemaker Patients May Be Candidates for Leadless Device

ROLLA, Mo. – Phelps Health today announced that it is offering the world’s smallest pacemakers, the Micra™ VR and Micra™ AV Transcatheter Pacing Systems (TPS), to patients in south-central Missouri.

The first procedure was performed by Timothy J. Martin, MD, FACC, on August 9, 2022.

Micra TPS is a leadless pacemaker option for patients who only require pacing in the right ventricle. Comparable in size to a large vitamin, Micra is less than one-tenth the size of traditional pacemakers yet delivers advanced pacing technology to patients via a minimally invasive approach.

During the implant procedure, the device is attached to the heart with small tines and delivers electrical impulses that pace the heart through an electrode at the end of the device.

Unlike traditional pacemakers, Micra does not require leads or a surgical "pocket" under the skin, so potential sources of complications related to leads and pockets are eliminated.

Micra’s miniaturized size and minimally invasive approach leaves no visible sign or physical reminder of a medical device under the skin. This can mean fewer post-implant activity restrictions and no obstructions to shoulder movement, allowing patients to get back to living their lives more quickly.

“The Micra implant is new technology we are now offering to patients who meet the criteria. This prevents surgical incisions in the chest,” Dr. Martin said. “We are excited to offer this to our community.”

Approved by the FDA in 2016, Micra VR was the first leadless pacing system available globally.  Studies have shown a significant reduction in complications compared to traditional transvenous single chamber pacemakers.

Micra AV, approved by the FDA in 2020, expanded leadless pacing to more patients. Micra TPS is the only approved leadless pacemaker portfolio available throughout the world.  Recently, Medtronic, the manufacturer of Micra TPS, announced that more than 100,000 patients have received a Micra device worldwide.