Prevea Heart Care and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center are proud to be the first health care organizations in Northeast Wisconsin to offer the world’s smallest pacemaker to help treat patients with bradycardia. The Micra® Transcatheter Pacing System (TPS) is the latest device that provides patients with the most advanced pacing technology at one-tenth the size of a traditional pacemaker.  

Dr. James C. Hansen began implanting in August 2017.

What is Bradycardia?

Bradycardia is a condition characterized by a slow heart rate, usually fewer than 60 beats per minute for the average person. At this rate, the heart may be unable to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body during normal activity or exercise, resulting in the feeling of dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath or fainting spells. Pacemakers are the most common way to treat bradycardia. They do so by sending electrical impulses to the heart which increase the heart rate. This increased heart rate can resolve symptoms and allow individuals to return to their normal activities.

What is the Micra Pacemaker?

Comparable to traditional pacemakers, the Micra TPS is a miniaturized version designed to provide the most advanced pacing technology – all while being cosmetically invisible.

Made by Medtronic, the Micra TPS does not require cardiac wires (leads) or a surgical “pocket” under the skin to deliver a pacing therapy. This can have tremendous advantages to younger individuals and those with circulatory issues in the upper part of their body.

Designed to provide a safe alternative to conventional pacemakers – without the complications associated with leads – the Micra TPS is small enough to be delivered through a catheter and implanted directly into the heart with small tines and delivers electrical impulses that pace the heart through an electrode at the end of the device.

Customized to each patient’s needs, the Micra TPS automatically adjusts pacing therapy based on a person’s activity levels.

For many who have pacemakers, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are prohibited. Fortunately, the Micra TPS is approved for both 1.5 and 3 Tesla (T) full-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The Micra TPS is capable of being monitored by a physician remotely via the Medtronic CareLink^® Network.

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in April 2016, the Micra TPS has been granted Medicare coverage, allowing broad patient access to the novel pacing technology.

If you would like to discuss whether the Micra TPS is right for you, please call Prevea Heart Care at (920) 272-1050.