A New AFib Solution: Beebe First in Delaware to Offer the AVEIR DR Dual Chamber Leadless Pacemaker
Beebe Healthcare is proud to announce the availability of the AVEIR® DR Dual Chamber Leadless Pacemaker, a groundbreaking treatment for cardiac patients with atrial fibrillation. This device offers an ideal solution for those who require pacing in both the right atrium and right ventricle.
Beebe is the first hospital in Delaware to offer this lifesaving pacemaker system. The system first introduced the device during AFib Awareness Month in September and highlight the advanced capabilities during American Heart Month.
The first AVEIR DR pacemaker implant at Beebe was completed by a multidisciplinary team led by Mouhanad Freih, MD, FACC, FCSI, a board-certified interventional cardiologist who leads the hospital’s Cardiovascular Institute. Also playing a key role in the procedure was Maria Del Corral, MD, a clinical cardiac electrophysiologist who specializes in the treatment of heart rhythm disorders.
Sophisticated technology developed by Abbott, the manufacturer of the AVEIR DR, allows beat-to-beat communication between the two devices. Because the system is leadless, the post-procedure recovery period is shorter, the risk of complications is reduced, and patients benefit from fewer restrictions compared to pacemaker systems that require cardiac leads – wires that previously had to be attached to the heart.
“So many patients will benefit from the availability of the AVEIR DR pacemaker at Beebe, and the fact that we are the first in Delaware to offer it speaks volumes about the level of advanced, evidence-based care available right here in Sussex County,” said Dr. Freih. “We are on a mission to bring the best in healthcare to our community, and this new service offering underscores that commitment.”
Dr. Del Corral echoed that sentiment, noting that the availability of the new device differentiates Beebe and gives patients another reason to choose the hospital for their ongoing cardiac care.
“We take a lot of pride in the fact that we are offering the latest and most advanced treatment options for patients who are diagnosed with complex cardiac conditions, right here at Beebe,” said Dr. Del Corral. “The availability of this procedure also underscores our commitment to clinical collaboration. It brings a team of skilled and trained cardiac specialists together, providing patients with a solution that improves the functionality of their hearts while also minimizing disruption to their daily lives, long-term. This level of innovation is important as cardiac care continues to advance, and we are proud to be at the forefront.”
Another significant benefit is that the AVEIR DR pacemaker is engineered for easy retrieval and removal if a patient’s diagnosis evolves. The device is implanted directly into the heart through a minimally invasive technique, with one pacemaker placed in the right ventricle and a second pacemaker positioned in the right atrium.
“It is important that we have the right tools and technologies in place to care for patients and address their medical needs, while also being thoughtful about long-term benefits, risks, and impact,” said Paul Sierzenski, MD, MSHQS, CPE, FACEP, Senior Vice President and Chief Physician Executive at Beebe. “Single-chamber ventricular devices can present some patients with elevated challenges, so we are thrilled to now have this first-of-its-kind technology available. It will streamline the process of care and simplify things greatly for patients who require pacing long-term.”