World's Smallest, Wireless Pacemaker Implanted at South Nassau

South Nassau Communities Hospital is the first hospital on Long Island to implant the world's smallest, wireless remote pacemaker — the Evia — in a patient. The procedure was recently done by Dr. Lawrence Kanner, director of electrophysiology and arrhythmia services at the hospital's Center for Cardiovascular Health. South Nassau is located on the border of Rockville Centre and Oceanside.

"The patients who receive this implant can benefit from the pacemaker's size, durability and novel rate regulation algorithm," Kanner said. "It also has real-time, cellular-based home monitoring."

The Evia pacemaker, manufactured by Biotronik — a biomedical technology company in Germany — is 20 percent smaller than any other and incorporates wireless monitoring that works like a cell phone. The monitoring system immediately notifies the patient's physician if he/she or the pacemaker is experiencing complications, and can be used to perform a complete wireless, remote check-ups. 

In 2009, the Federal Drug Administration approved Biotronik's Home Monitoring system as the only remote monitoring system that can replace conventional pacemaker device inspection during follow-up appointments.

While the average lifespan for standard pacemakers is five to seven years, the Evia can last up to 10 years before needing replacement. As a result of its durability, patients who have been implanted will undergo fewer pacemaker replacement procedures, reducing the risk of procedural complications such as infection. 

"Studies have shown that while pacemaker replacement is typically safe for most patients, the procedure does carry some risk," Kanner said.  "When you combine the advantages of the Evia, we expect it to contribute to our high standards for patient care and outcomes."