Cardiologists perform world’s first leadless LBBAP procedures with Abbott pacemaker
Cardiologists have made a bit of history in Prague, performing what are believed to be the world’s first leadless left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) procedures. The procedures were all completed using Abbott’s investigational Aveir conduction system pacing (CSP) leadless pacemaker system, part of the same device portfolio that includes the Aveir dual chamber leadless pacemaker system.
CSP involves implanting a pacemaker wire deep into the wall separating the left and right chambers of the patient’s heart. This activates the left bundle branch area, mimicking natural heart rhythms.
Abbott has already had considerable success with its leadless pacemaker offerings; the Aveir dual chamber device gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in July 2023, and updated data released in May 2024 linked treatment with the device to consistently positive outcomes.
These successful LBBAP procedures were part of a feasibility study designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Aveir CSP device. Petr Neužil, MD, PhD, head of the department of cardiology at Na Homolce Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic, and Vivek Y. Reddy, MD, director of cardiac arrhythmia services at Mount Sinai Hospital, performed the historic procedures with a team of heart specialists.
While the Aveir CSP device is investigational at this time, these data could later be used to help Abbott seek full FDA approval.
“While both conduction system pacing and leadless pacing provide distinct benefits to many patients, they have been separate options—until now,” Devi Nair, MD, director of cardiac electrophysiology at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and a researcher assisting with the feasibility study, explained in a prepared statement from Abbott. “For the first time, the study of the Aveir CSP leadless pacemaker system evaluates a pioneering approach that directly targets the left bundle branch area, combining the advantages of conduction system and leadless pacing technologies.”
“Bringing our proven leadless pacemaker technology to the left bundle branch area has great potential to be another transformative moment in cardiac care,” added Randel Woodgrift, senior vice president of Abbott's cardiac rhythm management business.
Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.