IJN Becomes First In Southeast Asia to Implant Dual-Chamber Leadless Pacemaker

Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) has made medical history by becoming the first centre in Southeast Asia to successfully implant the world's first dual-chamber leadless pacemaker system, the Abbott's AVEIR™ DR. Approved by the FDA in June 2023, AVEIR DR provides an innovative option to treat patients that suffer slow or irregular heart rhythms. IJN Continues to Raise the Bar in Cardiac Electrophysiology, Advancing Patient Care Through World Class Innovation! 

IJN Becomes First In Southeast Asia to Implant Dual-Chamber Leadless Pacemaker 

From left: Datuk Dr Azlan Husin, Clinical Director Interventional Electrophysiology and Implantable Devices; Senior Consultant Cardiologist; Datuk Dr Shaiful Azmi Yahya, Chief Clinical Officer, Senior Consultant Cardiologist; Prof Dato Sri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib, Group Chief Executive Officer, IJN

As of now, 18 patients have received the new device, with the first implantation conducted on 27th May, 2025. This milestone builds on IJN’s decade-long experience with leadless pacemaker technology, during which nearly 900 patients have undergone procedures involving wireless pacemakers.

"IJN continues to set new standards for heart care in Malaysia and beyond. This new groundbreaking dual chamber leadless pacemaker will revolutionize care for our current patients and create a significant opportunity to expand the number of people we can serve.

By eliminating traditional wires (leads) and surgical pockets, this leadless system significantly reduces the risk of complications such as infections, lead dislodgement, or vessel occlusion" said Senior Consultant Cardiologist and Clinical Director - Interventional Electrophysiology and Implantable Devices. 

Datuk Dr. Azlan Hussin Senior Consultant Cardiology and Clinical Director, Interventional Electrophysiology and Implantable Devices of IJN

According to Datuk Dr. Azlan Hussin Senior Consultant Cardiology and Clinical Director, Interventional Electrophysiology and Implantable Devices of IJN; the Benefits of Leadless Pacemaker

✨ No Surgery or Surgical Wounds

✨ No Wires Inside the Heart

✨ Lower Risk of Infection

✨ Earlier Patient Mobilization

✨ Suitable for Patients with Existing Infections/Blood Thinners

✨ Suitable for Patient with Chronic Kidney Disease

For decades, pacemaker technology remained fundamentally unchanged due to the challenge of achieving seamless dual-chamber communication without leads. AVEIR ™ DR change that by enabling more natural heart rhythm synchrony and improves quality of life, especially for patients at higher risk from conventional systems.

Designed for patients with slow or abnormal heart rhythms, AVEIR ™ DR represents a major leap in cardiac pacing technology. Unlike traditional pacemakers, which are placed under the skin with insulated leads extending to the heart, the AVEIR™ DR system uses two miniaturized pacemakers, each roughly one-tenth the size of conventional devices, implanted directly into the heart's right atrium and ventricle.

At the core of this system is Abbott's proprietary i2i™ (implant-to-implant) communication technology, which enables real-time, wireless synchronization between the two devices using high-frequency pulses conducted through the body's blood flow. This technology not only enables beat-to-beat coordination but also extends device longevity by consuming significantly less battery power than traditional wireless methods such as Bluetooth® or radio-frequency signals.

Dr Azlan said that "This new technology opens up new possibilities for people with abnormal heart rhythms, The AVEIR™ DR system is also designed to provide real-time pacing analysis, allowing physicians to verify proper placement of the device during the procedure before implantation into the heart chamber," added Dr Azlan. "This innovation directly addresses the needs of patients with bradycardia and enhances quality of life through a fully leadless solution."

At IJN, innovation is not just about new technology, it's about creating real impact. The AVEIR™ DR implantation marks a leap forward in heart care, reinforcing our role as a regional leader. As cardiovascular disease remains a national challenge, we believe awareness, early intervention, and cutting-edge solutions must go hand in hand." said Chief Executive Officer of IJN, Prof. Dato' Sri Dr. Mohamed Ezani Md Taib

Abbott's AVER™ DR system revolutionizes cardiac care as the world's first and only dual chamber leadless pacemaker, delivering synchronized, beat-to-beat pacing without the complications of traditional leads. With its minimally invasive design, long-term retrievability, and adaptability for future therapeutic needs, AVEIR ™ DR embodies Abbott's commitment to pioneering life-changing technologies that empower patients to live fuller, healthier lives.

In line with its dedication to advancing cardiac treatment, IJN has played a pivotal role in the development and early clinical evaluation of next-generation technologies such as pacemakers. 

In 2018, IJN was the first hospital outside the United States to conduct implantation of the world's smallest pacemaker, Micra AV. Through its relentless pursuit of excellence, IJN continues to set new benchmarks in cardiovascular care throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. 

For more information about IJN Becomes First In Southeast Asia to Implant Dual-Chamber Leadless Pacemaker, please visit www.ijn.com.my