Vatterott PJ, Eggen MD, Hilpisch KE, Drake RA, Grubac V, Anderson TA, Colin BP, Seifert KR, Mesich ML, Ramon LC. Implant, performance, and retrieval of an atrial leadless pacemaker in sheep.
Heart Rhythm 2020;
18:288-296. [PMID:
33035647 DOI:
10.1016/j.hrthm.2020.09.022]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Medtronic is developing an atrial Micra Transcatheter Pacing System (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) and associated retrieval system.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate chronic atrial Micra retrieval, reimplantation, and chronic pacing performance.
METHODS
Sheep were implanted in 2 groups: group 1 (n = 6) for 6 months, a second device implanted, and first retrieved and studied for an additional 6 months; group 2 (n = 6) for 6 months, devices were retrieved, and a second device implanted and observed acutely. Both groups underwent histopathological evaluation. Pacing capture thresholds (PCTs), p wave amplitude, and pacing impedances were measured chronically. Device retrieval times were recorded, and intracardiac echocardiography was used.
RESULTS
At 24 weeks, PCTs for group 1 were low and stable for both the first device (0.55 ± 0.14 V) and the second device (0.57 ± 0.09 V), in which the average retrieval time was 17:35 minutes. For group 2, the average retrieval time was 6:12 minutes, chronic PCTs in the first device were 0.53 ± 0.11 V, and acute PCTs for the second device were 0.71 ± 0.19 V. Pathological findings were within an expected range of tissue responses for similar Micra acute and chronic implants and device retrievals. p waves and impedances were stable and within an expected range for implant site and electrode design. Complications included 1 early dislodgment and 1 death attributed to a prototype retrieval tool.
CONCLUSION
In an animal model, an atrial Micra can be easily implanted with excellent chronic pacing performance and is easily retrievable at 6 months. A second device can successfully be implanted with low, chronic stable thresholds. A developed prototype retrieval tool was easy to use and, with modifications, complication free.
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