Catholic Health first to implant Dual-Chamber Leadless Pacemakers

A distinct sub-specialty within the field of Cardiology is Electrophysiology, the treatment of arrhythmia—or irregular heartbeat—using the body's natural electrical current.

St. Francis Heart Center is a national leader in Electrophysiology, consistently out in front in first use of the most advanced therapies and supporting technologies. St. Francis Heart Center physicians recently were “first in the nation” to make use of next generation Leadless Pacemakers, able to assist both the upper and lower chambers of the heart in maintaining a healthy heartbeat.

“Some patients need two devices implanted, one in each chambers of the heart; one in the ventricle, one in the atrium,” explains Vinni Jayam, MD, who led a team at St. Francis Hospital in performing the first such implant in Nassau County. “The devices talk to each other through the blood. This system, developed by Abbot Laboratories, eliminates the need for leads, or wires, and reduces the risk of complications including infection.”

Russell Chen, MD, at Good Samaritan University Hospital implanted the new dual-chamber leaderless pacemaker in a patient from Lindenhurst.

“The devices work in harmony, communicating with each other to pace the heart from both the upper and lower chambers,” Dr. Chen explained. “Better still, there are no leads, which preempts potential infections. For patients at high risk of bacterial infection, this device simplifies the mechanics of the procedure.”

Both doctors’ patients are doing fine and are happy to be getting back to their favorite pursuits. Joyce Berkman credits Dr. Jayam in giving her back her energy. “I love that man!” said the 82-year old Queens resident. “Besides being brilliant, he is gentle and immensely talented. I call him Dr. Golden Hands!”

58-year-old James Riggs of Lindenhurst is back to attending classic car shows, as he awaits the birth of his first grandchild.

Both Dr. Vinni Jayam and Dr. Russell Chen are part of St. Francis Heart Center, which offers electrophysiology services a several Catholic Health locations throughout Long Island.

Find a St. Francis Heart Center near you.