On Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, HonorHealth was the first health system in the state to usher in a new era of pacemakers for patients with abnormal or slow heart rhythms thanks to the world’s first dual chamber leadless pacemaker. HonorHealth electrophysiologists, Rahul Doshi, MD, and Ankur Karnik, MD, successfully completed the first commercial procedure at HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center.

“What a difference this makes for our patients,” says Dr. Doshi. “We’re able to get this technology that is brand new and provides real benefit to our patients..

Dr. Doshi was the principal investigator of the pacemaker’s clinical trial at the HonorHealth Research Institute. Earlier this year, our researchers successfully implanted the revolutionary device in 22 patients, enhancing patient well-being and quality of life. The clinical trial success helped secure FDA approval.

“This revolutionary dual chamber leadless pacemaker provides all the features of a standard pacemaker but is all self-contained in the heart and not visible on the upper chest, “adds Dr. Karnik. “Apart from many advantages including lower risk of infection, patient satisfaction is higher for cosmetic reasons.”

As one of the pioneering centers, HonorHealth is the first health system in Arizona to offer this innovative system to patients outside of a clinical trial. Learn more.