For the past half-month, Nhat experienced dizziness and lightheadedness, especially when changing positions, and suffered from frequent insomnia. Doctors ordered a 48-hour Holter monitor (a device that tracks heart rate for 48 hours). The results showed his heart rate sometimes dropped to 30 beats per minute, with pauses of one to two seconds, leading to a diagnosis of bradycardia. This common heart rhythm disorder occurs when the heart beats below 60 times per minute at rest.

Professor, Doctor Vo Thanh Nhan, Director of the Interventional Cardiology Center at Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, assessed Nhat's condition as critical. He stated that without timely intervention, it could lead to blurred vision, dizziness, and a high risk of falls. In severe cases, patients might faint due to insufficient blood flow to the brain, or even experience cardiac arrest and sudden death.

At 6 AM, the hospital's interventional cardiac catheterization lab (DSA) was ready. The medical team prepared to implant the new-generation Micra AV2 wireless pacemaker in Nhat. Professor Nhan meticulously checked the digital subtraction angiography system, digital ultrasound, and catheters – essential tools supporting the team during the procedure.

Nhat remained awake and under local anesthesia throughout the intervention. Doctors made a small incision, under 1 cm, in his thigh to thread a catheter to the right ventricle. This technique avoids the need for a larger skin incision to create a pocket under the skin or muscle, thereby preventing risks such as infection, hematoma, pleural effusion, and unsightly scars, which are common with wired pacemakers.

During the first 24 hours, Nhat's vital signs, including pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, SpO₂, and temperature, were closely monitored. Doctors performed an electrocardiogram and X-ray to confirm the device's position.

Professor Nhan (far left) and his team implanted the pacemaker in the patient in 30 minutes. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

With a wired pacemaker, patients typically need to avoid strenuous arm movements on the side of the implant for at least several weeks post-procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding in the pacemaker pocket. In contrast, thanks to the wireless pacemaker, Nhat could resume personal activities immediately after the intervention. He enjoyed his meals, slept soundly, and his heart rate remained controlled. He was discharged after three days.

Professor Nhan noted that the older generation wireless pacemaker (Micra AV) has an average lifespan of 10-12 years, while the Micra AV2 can operate effectively for up to 16 years. The device features intelligent and precise automatic atrioventricular synchrony, is compact, only the size of a capsule, and weighs about 2 g.

One day after the intervention, patients can return to normal activities, though they should avoid intense exercise or contact sports. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in green vegetables, fruits, nuts, and fish helps protect cardiovascular health and promotes rapid recovery. Patients should take medication as prescribed by their doctor to maintain stable heart rhythm and prevent complications. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor device activity and detect potential cardiovascular issues early.

Thu Ha

*Patient's name has been changed