Medtronic receives FDA approval of latest Micra pacemakers

Medtronic has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of its Micra AV2 and Micra VR2, the next generation of its miniaturised, leadless pacemakers.

Micra AV2 and Micra VR2 provide longer battery life and easier programming than prior Micra pacemakers, while still delivering the many benefits of leadless pacing such as reduced complications.

With approximately 40% more battery life compared to previous generations, the median projected battery life of Micra AV2 and Micra VR2 is nearly 16 and 17 years, respectively. This means more than 80% of patients who receive a Micra are projected to only need one device for life.

The new Micra AV2 also includes advanced algorithms that automatically program AV synchrony, thereby coordinating the heart's upper and lower chambers. Also, for patients who are active, Micra AV2 has a higher available tracking capability for faster heart rates (increased from 115 to 135 beats per minute for upper limits).

Camille Frazier-Mills, M.D., MHS, an electrophysiologist at Duke University Health System, said: "Improved AV synchrony – requiring less in-office reprogramming thanks to algorithm optimization – and longer battery life are major wins for patients. I'm excited to offer my patients the new Micra devices. This best-in-class technology transforms the patient experience by eliminating pocket-related complications, and now reduces the chance that patients will need their device changed in the future."

Robert C. Kowal, M.D., Ph.D., general manager, Cardiac Pacing Therapies, part of the Cardiovascular Portfolio at Medtronic, added: "Our goal is to improve the patient experience by continuously reinventing our ground-breaking leadless pacemaker," said Robert C. Kowal, M.D., Ph.D., general manager, Cardiac Pacing Therapies within the Cardiac Rhythm Management business, which is part of the Cardiovascular Portfolio at Medtronic. "Since inventing the first battery-operated cardiac pacemakers 65 years ago, Medtronic has transformed pacing technologies to benefit patients, including the nearly 200,000 patients globally who have received a Micra device so far."

Micra pacemakers are less than one-tenth the size of traditional pacemakers. Micra pacemakers do not require leads or a surgical "pocket" under the skin, so potential sources of complications related to leads and pockets are eliminated, and there is no visible sign of the device.