IJN makes history as first in SE Asia to implant dual-chamber wireless pacemaker

KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 — The National Heart Institute (IJN) has made a landmark breakthrough by becoming the first centre in Southeast Asia to successfully implant the Abbott AVEIR™ DR — the world’s first dual-chamber leadless pacemaker system.

Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Director of the Interventional Electrophysiology & Implantable Devices Unit, Datuk Dr Azlan Hussin, said this milestone highlights IJN’s commitment to advancing cardiac care in Malaysia and the region.

“This revolutionary dual-chamber leadless pacemaker is set to transform how we treat heart rhythm disorders. It not only benefits existing patients but also opens new possibilities for younger patients, including children,” he said during a press conference today.

He explained that by eliminating traditional wires (leads) and surgical pockets, the leadless design significantly reduces risks such as infection, lead displacement, or vein obstruction. The long-term complication rate stands at just one to two per cent — on par with or even better than conventional pacemakers.

Since the first procedure on May 27, IJN has implanted the device in 18 patients. This achievement builds upon over a decade of IJN’s experience with wireless pacemaker technology, having treated nearly 900 patients with earlier models.

The AVEIR™ DR system also features real-time pacing analysis, allowing doctors to confirm optimal placement during the procedure. Depending on a patient’s condition, the implantation takes between 20 minutes to an hour.

IJN Chief Executive Officer Prof Datuk Seri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib acknowledged that the new technology carries a slightly higher cost but said IJN’s charges remain far more affordable compared to private hospitals.

He added that wider adoption of this advanced procedure in Malaysia would require not only technology but also specialised expertise and infrastructure.

“This is more than just offering a service. It’s about clinical excellence, state-of-the-art facilities, and highly trained specialists — all of which IJN provides,” he said.

He emphasised that innovation at IJN is focused on impact: “The AVEIR™ DR system isn’t just a technological upgrade — it’s a leap forward in how we care for cardiac patients and reaffirms our position as a regional leader in heart health.”

He also underscored the need for greater public awareness and early intervention in tackling cardiovascular disease, which remains one of Malaysia’s most pressing health concerns.

The AVEIR™ DR system, designed for patients with bradycardia (slow or irregular heart rhythms), comprises two tiny devices — each one-tenth the size of a traditional pacemaker — implanted directly into the right atrium and ventricle. As the world’s first dual-chamber leadless pacemaker, it delivers synchronised pacing without the complications linked to traditional leads.

The system is minimally invasive, retrievable, and designed for future upgrades.

This latest success follows another major achievement in 2018, when IJN became the first hospital outside the United States to implant the world’s smallest pacemaker, the Micra AV. — Bernama