Jackson Hospital | Partners | Spring 2019

6 Jackson Hospital HEART CARE For decades, pacemakers have been used in patients worldwide to help treat arrhythmias, which cause irregular heartbeats. These small but mighty devices can help patients with irregular heartbeats live longer and happier lives without some of the common side effects of arrhythmias, such as fatigue, shortness of breath and fainting. Traditional pacemakers use wires, commonly called leads, which stretch from the shoulder vein to the heart (see “A Steady Beat” for more informa- tion about pacemakers). The new Micra leadless pacemaker, which is 93 percent smaller than conventional pacemak- ers, does not need wires at all. Instead, Micra is self-contained in the heart—reducing pocket-related compli- cations, such as infections, and lead- related complications, such as fractures or insulation breaches. No open-heart surgery Due to its size, there is no need for tra- ditional open-heart surgery to implant this pacemaker. Instead, the doctor inserts Micra through a blood vessel in the groin, where it will then attach directly to the right ventricle. Patients with the Micra pacemaker ex- perience 63 percent fewer major com- plications than with traditional pacemak- ers, making the overall patient experience better. EXPERT CARE Tamjeed Arshad, MD, of The Jackson Clinic, is the first electrophysiologist in the River Region to use this new technology. Alongside his electrophysiology team at Jackson Hospital, Dr. Arshad continues to bring more advanced technology and better healthcare to his patients—so they don’t have to leave town to get the care they need. That’s the power of The Jackson Clinic. Small but MIGHTY The world’s smallest pacemaker is here at Jackson Hospital & Clinic Move to a healthy rhythm To find out if the Micra pacemaker can help you, please call Dr. Arshad’s office at 334-264-9191 .