The role of leadless single-chamber pacemakers in the treatment of vasovagal syncope

Transcatheter Leadless Pacemaker for the Treatment of Vasovagal Syncope

Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is largely a benign condition focused on patient education, lifestyle modification, and avoidance of triggers. However, a subset of patients may benefit from permanent pacemaker placement. Commonly, patients with VVS are younger and those requiring pacing have symptoms associated with severe cardioinhibitory syncope. With the advent of leadless pacemaker systems, a lot of the risks associated with traditional transvenous pacemaker systems are mitigated. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the data available for the treatment of cardioinhibitory vasovagal syncope using leadless pacemaker systems.

[Micra™ leadless pacemaker : Clinical experience and perspectives]

Leadless pacemakers have the potential to fundamentally change the field of device therapy. As leads and generator pockets are no longer needed with this technology, many potentially dangerous complications of conventional pacemaker systems like lead fractures, lead endocarditis or pocket infections can be effectively avoided. At present, Micra™ (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) is the only commercially available leadless pacemaker. Since its first-in-human implantation in 2013, thousands of these devices have been implanted worldwide. This article presents an overview of the present clinical evidence and future perspectives of this promising new technology.