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Cleveland Clinic Cardiologist Perry Fleisher, MD, shows the difference in size for a new pacemaker now used with some patients at Ashtabula County Medical Center. The smaller pacemaker is about the size of a vitamin capsule and attaches directly inside the heart rather than placed under the skin with wires leading to the heart.

Ashtabula Harbor’s Aurthur Nordquest (pictured with his wife Margaret) was one of the first patients to receive the new pacemaker.

Device the size of a vitamin capsule attaches directly to the heart

A new pacemaker the size of a vitamin capsule is being used at Ashtabula County Medical Center to restore quality of life for patients suffering from chronic heart problems.

“It’s a game changer for some of our patients,” said Perry Fleisher, MD, a Cleveland Clinic Cardiologist who sees patients full-time at ACMC. “We are among the first hospitals our size in Ohio to offer this technology. It was previously only available at large academic medical centers. I am excited to bring this to Ashtabula County and ACMC’s patients.”

For nearly 65 years, pacemakers have kept hearts beating by sending a pulse that maintains a natural heart rhythm. A healthy heart beats 60 to 100 times a minute. A slow heart rate is known as bradycardia. It may not be noticeable immediately, but if the slow heart rate persists, it may interfere with a person’s ability to maintain exercise or engage in other activities for as long as they once could. They may also feel dizzy or tired, have shortness of breath, or may faint.

A cardiologist can diagnose the cause of bradycardia and recommend treatment options, such as a pacemaker. Traditionally, a pacemaker, about the size of a teabag, is placed under the skin with electrode leads running to the heart. The new Micra^TM pacemaker now available at ACMC is the size of a large vitamin capsule.

There are many benefits to the Micra^TM. It attaches directly inside the heart rather than being placed under the skin with wires leading to the heart. It is inserted through the femoral vein in the groin during a minimally invasive procedure. The Micra^TM automatically adjusts to increased physical activity and will adjust the heart rate appropriate to that activity. The device will continue to operate for up to 13 years and can be replaced. The Micra^TM is also programmed by the cardiologist to meet the patient’s individual needs and that programming can be adjusted without the need for further surgery.

Aurthur James Nordquest, of Ashtabula was one of the first patients to receive the Micra^TM. A Harbor High School graduate and US Army veteran assigned to naval duty, Mr. Nordquest said he had difficulty breathing, was tired all the time, and had trouble walking prior to Dr. Fleisher implanting the Micra^TM in mid-November. “They put a heart monitor on me and my heart rate was up and down and all over the place. My heart would beat fast and then slow down,” Mr. Nordquest said. “Dr. Fleisher saw that and he said I needed this new pacemaker to fix it.”

Mr. Nordquest was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and a Watchman Device was inserted in 2015 to lower the risk of stroke.

“Mr. Nordquest and I have had a long patient-physician relationship. When I saw the recent results from the heart monitor, I knew he was a perfect candidate for this technology,” said Dr. Fleisher. “He was in the hospital overnight and then back home.”

Mr. Nordquest said he was surprised how easy the surgery went. “I didn’t even know they had started the surgery. They numbed the area they were working on around 7 a.m. and I kept wondering when they were going to start. I thought they would give me anesthesia, but about 9 a.m., they said they were finished. I feel like I could walk 12 miles. I can breathe again, I’m not tired, and I’m alive!” Mr. Nordquest said.

Patients who have had a leadless pacemaker say they appreciate that there is no bump under the skin and no scar on their chest. They also have fewer restrictions to activity since there are no leads to damage. Plus, they can have diagnostic tests like MRIs without risk of damaging the device.

“This device also significantly lowers the risk of infection and other complications since there is no chest incision,” said Dr. Fleisher.

Mr. Nordquest confirmed a speedy recovery, with no visible signs of the surgery. “I feel good. I can get up and move around, which I could not do before.”

This leadless pacemaker may not be suitable for all patients, Dr. Fleisher cautioned. It is designed to overcome specific heart rhythm problems, stemming from a single chamber that becomes damaged. When other heart rhythm problems are diagnosed, a traditional pacemaker may still be the standard treatment option.

“I love hearing patient stories like Mr. Nordquest’s experience at ACMC. It is encouraging to hear that one piece of technology can give patients a dramatic turnaround in health so quickly. ACMC is committed to bringing proven technology to Ashtabula County, and thanks to Dr. Fleisher, this is another tool we can use to fight heart disease locally,” said ACMC Healthcare System President and CEO Michael Habowski.

Mr. Nordquest offered his advice for people suffering from heart problems. “If your physician tells you to get the pacemaker like this, get it. Don’t wait. Get it as quickly as you can. It has changed my life.”

For more information about ACMC’s Center for Heart Care, please visit www.acmchealth.org. To schedule a cardiology appointment or diagnostic exam, please call 440-997-6590.