Leadless Pacemaker in Child: First Dual-Chamber Implant
- - A 13-year-old with congenital complete heart block is now benefiting from a dual chamber leadless pacemaker,thanks to Dr.
- the patient, monitored for years, experienced presyncope, characterized by lightheadedness, before receiving the innovative device.
- After observing progressively lower average heart rates via electrocardiograms and Holter monitors, Cortez discussed pacemaker options with the patient and family.
Dr. Dan Cortez at UC Davis has successfully performed the first dual-chamber leadless pacemaker implant in a child, a groundbreaking procedure for a 13-year-old with congenital complete heart block. This innovative approach uses a leadless pacemaker, offering a minimally invasive solution that allows young patients to live active lives without restrictions, especially vital in sports. This marks a meaningful advancement in pediatric cardiology. The AVEIR device, implanted via the internal jugular vein, promises quicker recovery times. The patient resumed exercise within three months, demonstrating the impact of the leadless pacemaker. This is a major step forward for children’s health. Find more stories like this at News Directory 3. Discover what’s next in pediatric cardiology.
UC Davis Doctor Pioneers Leadless pacemaker Implant in Child
Updated June 22, 2025
Sacramento, Calif. – A 13-year-old with congenital complete heart block is now benefiting from a dual chamber leadless pacemaker,thanks to Dr. Dan Cortez,director of pediatric electrophysiology at UC Davis. Cortez successfully performed the first such implant in a child, according to a case report published in PACE: Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology.
the patient, monitored for years, experienced presyncope, characterized by lightheadedness, before receiving the innovative device. Congenital complete heart block, a rare and possibly fatal condition, affects approximately 1 in 15,000 to 22,000 children. It can stem from repaired congenital heart disease, genetic factors, or maternal antibodies.
After observing progressively lower average heart rates via electrocardiograms and Holter monitors, Cortez discussed pacemaker options with the patient and family. The dual chamber leadless pacemaker regulates heart rhythm by stimulating both the upper (atrial) and lower (ventricular) chambers. The family opted for leadless pacing to allow the patient to remain active in sports.
The AVEIR dual chamber leadless pacemaker was implanted through the right internal jugular vein, a minimally invasive approach that facilitated quicker recovery and return to athletic activities. The procedure took place at the UC Davis Electrophysiology Lab.
The patient experienced no complications and resumed exercise within three months. The AVEIR device, significantly smaller than conventional pacemakers and without leads, is absorbed by the heart. It received FDA approval for adult use in 2023.
“Everyone, kids included, can now have the benefits of pacemakers without leads and without the complications that come with leads long term,” Cortez saeid. “No matter what kind of pacing a kid needs — atrial or ventricular, or both — they can now safely recieve leadless pacing and, after the short recovery period, have no restrictions to their activity level.”
Cortez previously achieved milestones in pediatric cardiology, including the first retrievable leadless pacemaker implant in a child in 2023 and the first Micra single-chamber leadless pacemaker implant via the internal jugular vein in a child five years prior.
What’s next
UC Davis anticipates further advancements in pediatric cardiology, offering more children the benefits of leadless pacing and improved quality of life through innovative cardiac solutions.