A man, aged 79, has been given a ‘new lease of life’ following a revolutionary heart surgery. Nick Flower, a grandfather of five, underwent a groundbreaking procedure in March 2022 as part of a clinical trial for a new dual-chamber, leadless pacemaker system called AVEIR. This device has significantly improved Nick’s health after he had been struggling with deteriorating health for months. In late 2021, Nick collapsed at his home and was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat, which caused him to feel extremely tired during walks.
Following this incident, Nick began experiencing severe hip pain, leading to restricted movement and the need for a walking stick. Further tests revealed an abnormality in his heart, which was causing extra beats and a miscommunication between the heart chambers. While surgery seemed daunting, Nick was offered the opportunity to join the AVEIR trial. Within days, he underwent the minimally invasive procedure, staying awake and chatting with the medical team during the surgery.
The AVEIR pacemaker received by Nick is a world-first dual-chamber leadless pacemaker, developed by Abbott. This device is significantly smaller than traditional pacemakers, reducing potential complications and offering a shorter recovery period. Professor Tom Wong, who treated Nick at the Royal Brompton Hospital, described the technology as a major advancement in pacing technology for patients with complex heart disorders.
Thanks to the pacemaker, Nick can now enjoy his busy life once again, engaging in activities like golfing, gardening, and spending time with his grandsons. He expressed gratitude towards the medical team for providing him with the opportunity to live a fulfilling life. This innovative procedure has given Nick a renewed sense of vitality and allowed him to undergo hip surgery, which was previously not an option due to his heart condition.