Image Credit: Medtronic
Back in November 2019 Medtronic announced results from the MARVEL 2 (Micra Atrial Tracking Using A Ventricular accELerometer) study showing that an investigational set of algorithms in the Micra™ leadless pacemaker improves synchrony and cardiac function in patients with atrioventricular (AV) block. At the time, Medtronic submitted to FDA for approval of the Micra AV pacemaker, to expand the indicated population to AV block and normal sinus rhythm.
Medtronic announced this week that it received FDA’s approval for its Micra AV™ leadless pacemaker to treat AV block.
According to this week’s announcement:
“Micra AV is unique in the history of pacemakers. Until now, pacemakers sensed the heart’s electrical signals and used that information to provide pacing. But Medtronic scientists figured out how to re-purpose sensors, already inside the original Micra pacemaker, to recognize certain physical, or mechanical movements, within the heart – an approach to pacing that’s never been done before. Micra AV can detect the mechanical movement of a beat in one chamber of the heart – the atrium – and then pace another chamber where Micra is implanted – the ventricle – so the atrium and ventricle beat in synchrony.”