A new miniature pacemaker can now be used by patients in Canada. 

(Photo : Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
A heart pacemaker with a life of three years made of epoxy resin powered by mercury battery cells. Made by Godart NV a subsidiary of Elliot-Automation Continental.

This new health technology is considered to be a game-changer. The pacemaker is among the most advanced technologies used for patients with weak hearts. 

It was designed to keep the heart beating regularly and prevent it from slowing down. However, many people tend to avoid getting a pacemaker since the existing models are uncomfortable, especially when patients do heavy physical activities. This new miniature pacemaker can change that. 

New Miniature Pacemaker Approved for Patients' Use

According to Global News CA's latest report, Health Canada approved the use of the miniature pacemaker. 

(Photo : Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Ivan Mendoza, MD, associate medical director for the Jackson Medical Group's cardiology practice, holds the world's smallest pacemaker like the one he implanted into Felipe Finale, 78, during a media event at Jackson South Community Hospital to announce the successful implant.

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This means that patients can use it beyond clinical research stages. 

Unlike other models, this new technology is leadless; it has no wires connecting to the bloodstreams and to the heart. 

Aside from being leadless, the miniature pacemaker is only 3.8 centimeters long. This means that it is smaller than an AAA battery. 

Thanks to its tiny size, patients will not even notice that they have a pacemaker. 

"The approval is a game-changer in cardiovascular care and improved care for Canadians. It allows Canadians access to this new pacemaker technology, and that means improved quality of life," said Dr. Derek Exner, a cardiologist and heart rhythm expert.   

When Should You Get Pacemaker? 

Vein, Heart and Vascular Institute explained that there are various reasons why people should get a pacemaker. These include the following: 

• Have had a heart attack or heart surgery
• Have congenital heart disease
• Have had a heart transplant
• Take cardiovascular medications, such as beta-blockers, that slow your heart rate
• Have heart muscle problems

If ever you have the following, the best thing you can do is visit a doctor and ask for their recommendations. 

Of course, it would still be better if you have no pacemaker at all. Remember, having a pacemaker also has its disadvantages. 

These include the following: 

• Infection at the surgical area. 
• You can't easily have therapies because of the pacemaker. 
• You need to avoid electric or gas-powered appliances. 
• You need to avoid areas with high magnetic and electromagnetic fields.  

Aside from the latest miniature pacemaker, researchers are also working on other health technologies for heart diseases. 

In 2020, a new algorithm AI was claimed to detect heart diseases just by looking at selfie images. 

In 2022, a new gene therapy that saved mice from heart attacks was created. 

For more news updates about pacemakers and other similar health innovations, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

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