Medtronic and Abbott compete for leadership in next-gen leadless pacemakers

Medtronic is advancing its leadless pacemaker technology with the release of the Micra VR2 and Micra AV2, highlighting new features designed to enhance longevity and ease of use. Notably, the Micra VR2 has now been added to the Prescribed List (PL), broadening its accessibility to privately insured patients with cardiac arrhythmias.

The first-generation leadless Micra pacemakers significantly reduced major complications for patients, and this latest iteration offers additional enhancements. Among the advancements are increased battery life and, in the case of the Micra AV2, innovative algorithms that improve AV synchrony at higher heart rates, reducing the need for in-clinic programming.

Billed by Medtronic as the world’s smallest pacemakers, the Micra VR2 and Micra AV2 models extend battery life by approximately 40% over their predecessors. The devices are expected to last nearly 16 and 17 years, respectively, meaning that over 80% of recipients may only need one device in their lifetime.

The Micra devices by Medtronic also stand out as the only leadless pacemakers with remote monitoring capabilities, allowing clinicians to monitor a patient’s device without requiring in-person visits.

Meanwhile, Abbott’s competing leadless pacemaker, Aveir VR, has received regulatory approval and is gaining attention for its unique features.

Professor Rajeev Pathak, a Canberra-based cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist, described the Aveir VR as “the longest-lasting leadless pacemaker currently available in Australia.” It incorporates a mapping capability that aids clinicians in device placement and is designed for “easy and safe removal” if future treatment adjustments are required.

Boston Scientific is also pushing the frontiers of cardiac rhythm management with its clinical trial of a modular, leadless pacemaker system. This system includes both a leadless pacemaker and a subcutaneous, leadless implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The system showed promising early results at the ESC Congress 2024, further indicating the potential of leadless technology to reshape cardiac care.

In reimagining healthcare across the entire patient journey, Health Industry Hub^TM is the only one-stop-hub uniting the diversity of the Pharma, MedTech, Diagnostics & Biotech sectors to inspire meaningful change.

The Health Industry Hub^TM content is copyright protected. Access is available under individual user licenses. Please click here to subscribe and visit T&Cs here.