New Delhi: Abbott recently launched the AVEIR VR single-chamber ventricular leadless pacemaker in India for treating patients with slow heart rhythms. In an exclusive interview with ETHealthworld’s Rashmi Mabiyan Kaur, Professor Antonio Curnis, a leading expert in cardiac electrophysiology from the University of Brescia and Spedali Civili di Brescia, Italy, shares his insights into transformative advancements, including leadless pacemakers like Abbott’s AVEIR VR and AI-driven personalised therapies.
Prof. Curnis highlights the significant impact of minimally invasive technologies while discussing the global challenges and opportunities in managing heart failure. His perspective provides a glimpse into the future of cardiac rhythm management and the pursuit of improved patient outcomes.
What are the biggest challenges in heart failure management, and how can electrophysiology innovations address them?
Heart failure is a major global health issue, affecting 23 million people worldwide, including 1.2 per 1,000 individuals in India. Annually, 120,000 to 690,000 Indians with coronary heart disease (CHD) may develop noticeable symptoms of heart failure. Over five years, an estimated 600,000 to 3.5 million people in India could be living with heart failure.
According to recent data from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), CHD alone accounts for 300,000 to 1.75 million heart failure cases, with a mortality rate of 50 per cent. Furthermore, the prevalence of heart failure increases significantly with age. By age 55, the lifetime risk of developing heart failure is 33% for men and 28.5 per cent for women. This age-related rise underscores the growing burden of heart failure in aging populations, emphasizing the need for early detection and proactive management.
Innovative electrophysiology solutions, such as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices and early heart failure alerts embedded in these devices, can play a critical role in addressing these challenges.
What transformative advancements have you witnessed in electrophysiology over the past two decades?
Over the last 20 years, there have been remarkable advancements in electrophysiology, particularly in diagnosing and treating cardiac arrhythmias. The field has shifted significantly toward minimally invasive procedures, such as catheter ablation and leadless pacemakers, which have reduced recovery times, lowered complication rates, and improved patient outcomes.
Advanced imaging technologies have also enhanced diagnostic precision and safety. Innovations like Abbott’s AVEIR VR leadless pacemaker provide more reliable, less invasive alternatives to traditional devices. Looking ahead, AI-driven solutions hold great promise for transforming patient management, enabling personalized and effective treatments.
What makes leadless pacemakers like Abbott’s AVEIR VR a game changer, and which patients benefit most?
The AVEIR VR pacemaker offers numerous advantages for example the leadless design. The absence of leads simplifies implantation and minimizes complications such as infections, lead dislodgement, or venous thrombosis. Retrievability feature allows for easy removal or replacement, offering flexibility if a patient’s condition changes or if a different device is needed. Also the discreet size and its small design ensures comfort and unobtrusiveness while maintaining durability and reliability. Wide applicability is suitable for younger adults and older patients alike, the pacemaker reduces surgical risks and recovery times, benefiting a diverse patient population.
With a customizable programming system and an extended battery life of 15–19 years, the AVEIR VR pacemaker minimizes the need for frequent replacements, enhancing convenience and reducing long-term risks.
The minimally invasive implantation process results in shorter recovery periods, making it ideal for patients seeking less disruption to their lives, especially those at high risk for more invasive procedures. Positive patient experiences and targeted training programs for healthcare providers have further driven the adoption of this groundbreaking technology.
The field of Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) has seen rapid innovation. What emerging CRM technologies do you believe will significantly impact the management of arrhythmias and heart failure?
Recent innovations in CRM have the potential to revolutionise the treatment of arrhythmias and heart failure. Leadless pacemakers, such as Abbott’s AVEIR VR, eliminate the risks associated with traditional leads, offering a safer, minimally invasive solution with faster recovery times.
AI-powered tools are another exciting development, enabling doctors to diagnose and treat arrhythmias with greater precision. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and remote monitoring technologies are also transforming heart failure management by allowing real-time data tracking and personalized care.
These advancements are paving the way for improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life for patients worldwide.
Vish Charan, Divisional Vice President, Product Development at Abbott shared how they are working towards ensuring training of healthcare providers. “We are committed to ensuring that healthcare professionals across India are fully equipped to use the Aveir VR pacemaker effectively. We are working with the health care professionals educating them on the new technology and its features. This training includes both theoretical education and hands-on practice, ensuring that doctors are confident in implanting and managing this advanced technology,” he said.
