New Research Aims to Optimize Pacemaker Use & Extend Battery Life
Recent research from the University of Leeds and Université Grenoble Alpes is paving the way for more personalized pacemaker care, potentially delaying or even eliminating the need for battery replacements. The study provides a framework for doctors to select the most appropriate pacemaker and settings for each patient, considering both necessary functions and those that are “nice to have,” alongside the impact of each feature on battery life.
As Dr. klaus Witte, a cardiologist at the University of Leeds, explains, this is a crucial first step in ensuring patients receive devices tailored to thier individual needs. Professor Pascal Defaye of Université Grenoble Alpes highlights the study’s unique approach, utilizing real-world data to directly compare devices and manufacturers.
How Pacemakers Work:
Pacemakers are small, implanted devices – consisting of a battery and computer housed in a metal box placed under the collarbone – used to treat heart failure and irregular heartbeats. Leads connect the device to the heart chambers, allowing it to monitor heart activity and deliver electrical impulses when needed to maintain a regular rythm.
personalizing Pacemaker Settings:
Modern pacemakers offer a variety of features, including:
* Regulating slow heart rate: A core function for many patients.
* Synchronizing heart chambers: Ensuring coordinated beating.
* Activity-based heart rate increase: Adjusting pacing to meet exertion levels.
* Remote monitoring: Allowing doctors to track device performance remotely.
* Activity pattern storage: Recording patient activity for analysis.
However, not all patients require all these features. The research emphasizes the importance of a collaborative discussion between patient and doctor to determine which functions are essential and which offer additional benefits, while carefully considering the trade-off in battery longevity.
This advancement promises benefits for patients, the NHS, and healthcare systems overall by optimizing device usage and reducing the frequency of battery replacement surgeries.
