What is a Micra transcatheter pacing system?

Micra is single-chamber pacemaker that is about the size of a vitamin and can be implanted directly into the heart, eliminating the need for the leads to also be implanted. The minimally invasive procedure allows electrophysiologists to implant the pacemaker through a catheter in the leg so no chest incision is needed.

How does Micra pacemaker work?

The Micra leadless pacemaker is inserted through a vein in the leg and advanced to the heart where it is directly implanted into the right ventricle via small tines and delivers electrical impulses that pace the heart through an electrode at the end of the device.

How much does Micra pacemaker cost?

about $10,000 per unit
Limitations of Micra Device It is estimated the Micra costs about $10,000 per unit. A regular single chamber pacemaker costs $2,500 to $5,000 with another $800 for a single lead.

Who qualifies for leadless pacemaker?

Leadless pacemakers may be suitable for patients with permanent atrial fibrillation with bradycardia or bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome or those who infrequently require pacing.

What are the use conditions for the Micra transcatheter pacing system?

Use conditions included: median pacing 53.5%, median pacing threshold 0.50 V, median impedance 543 Ω; 89% of patients with > 10-year projected longevity; 99% of patients with > 5-year longevity. 12 Nippoldt D, Whiting J. Micra Transcatheter Pacing System Device Volume Characterization Comparison. November 2014. Medtronic data on file.

What is the pacing capture threshold for the Micra implant?

and stable (increase from implant ≤1.5 V) pacing capture threshold. This greatly exceeded the pre-specified performance goal of 80% (P<0.001). Among the patients with a successful Micra implant and for whom follow-up data were available, the pacing capture threshold tended to

Do Micra patients experience fewer system revisions than transvenous pacemakers?

In the clinical study, Micra patients experienced 87% fewer system revisions compared to the transvenous pacemaker cohort, driven by the lack of Micra device dislodgements and systemic 30Tamborini G1, Marsan NA, Gripari P, Maffessanti F, Brusoni D, Muratori M, Caiani EG, Fiorentini C, Pepi M. Reference

How is Micra pacing efficiency optimized to improve battery longevity?

To achieve battery longevity in Micra that is similar to conventional pacemakers, Micra pacing efficiency was optimized. First, Micra pacing is delivered at the chronaxie (0.24ms) pulse width which optimizes the balance between pacing duration (i.e. pulse width) and energy output (i.e. pacing amplitude).