In a stunning display of medical innovation, doctors at Paras Hospital in Gurugram have rewritten the playbook on cardiac care. By implanting a second Micra pacemaker atop an existing one, they’ve given an 88-year-old patient a fresh start. And here’s the kicker: this is the first time such a procedure has ever been performed in India.

The need for this groundbreaking approach arose when the patient’s first Micra pacemaker, implanted in 2017, ran out of battery. The result? Severe lightheadedness and sudden bouts of unconsciousness. Something had to be done — and fast.

A Race Against Time

When the patient arrived at Paras Health Gurugram, he was in bad shape. He felt uneasy, and his heart rate had dropped to a dangerous 30 beats per minute. An ECG confirmed the dire situation, and the medical team wasted no time. They first stabilized him by inserting a temporary pacing catheter, complete with a balloon to protect against heart perforation. But the real challenge was yet to come.

The team’s mission was clear: implant a new Micra pacemaker, the world’s smallest and leadless pacemaker, without interfering with the existing one. The stakes were high, but the doctors were ready to rise to the occasion.

A Game-Changing Procedure

“This is an index case and has never been done in the country before,” explained Dr. Amit Bhushan Sharma, Director and Unit Head of Cardiology - Interventional at Paras Health, Gurugram. “The Micra pacemaker is about the size of a vitamin capsule. When the patient came in with battery depletion and loss of consciousness, we had to act quickly. We successfully implanted the second Micra pacemaker on top of the first one without stopping his blood thinners. This innovative approach minimized the risk of heart perforation and ensured both pacemakers functioned independently.”

The two-hour procedure required advanced imaging and echocardiography to precisely position the new device. The team used a specialized catheter with a balloon to avoid complications and placed the second pacemaker strategically above the first.

Pioneering Care with a Proven Track Record

This isn’t Paras Hospital’s first brush with medical excellence. Back in 2017, they were among the first in India to implant the Micra pacemaker, and the same patient had benefitted from it. Fast forward to today, and the hospital has once again pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in cardiac care.

A New Chapter for the Patient

The patient’s medical history includes angioplasty in 2014, followed by the first Micra pacemaker in 2017. For years, he managed well, but irregular follow-ups contributed to the recent crisis. Thankfully, the successful implantation of the second Micra pacemaker has turned things around. After 48 hours of close monitoring, the patient was discharged and is now back to living a normal life.

Why This Matters

“This case is a testament to timely medical intervention and the incredible potential of modern technology,” said Dr. Sharma. “As medical science evolves, we’re committed to staying at the forefront, adopting advanced solutions to improve patient outcomes.”

This procedure isn’t just a milestone for Paras Health. It’s a beacon of hope for patients across the country. It underscores the importance of regular check-ups and shows how cutting-edge medical technology can truly change lives. For Paras Hospital, this is yet another feather in their cap — and for the 88-year-old patient, it’s the start of a whole new chapter.