Cardiff and Vale University Health Board fits first leadless pacemaker in Wales

20 January 2025

Cardiologists at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (UHB) have fitted a leadless pacemaker for the first time in Wales. The groundbreaking procedure, performed on a 63-year-old patient, took just 50 minutes and was carried out under local anaesthetic by a single operator. There were no complications, and the patient was discharged the following day.

A leadless pacemaker is a small, self-contained device implanted directly into the heart through a vein in the groin or neck. Unlike traditional pacemakers, which have wires and a pulse generator implanted under the skin, leadless pacemakers are entirely contained within the heart. They are tiny, leave no visible signs, and contain no wires.

The device has a service life of 17 years or more—double that of a conventional pacemaker’s battery life. Additionally, because it has no wires and does not require a surgical pocket for the pulse generator, it virtually eliminates the most common complications of traditional pacemakers - infection and lead-related issues.

Consultant Cardiac Electrophysiologist Dr Fong Leong, who performed the procedure, said: “My patient and I would like to thank everyone involved for making this procedure happen. This first-in-Wales implant of a novel leadless pacemaker marks a significant milestone in the treatment of patients with slow heart rates. The device is smaller than a pen cap, but has a battery life that might last more than 20 years for some. There is no scar on the chest, and no wires in the heart. It’s exciting technology, and I’m thrilled that it’s now available at the University Hospital of Wales.”

A leadless pacemaker costs around £5,000 more than a conventional device. In order to access the technology, the team applied for and was successful in getting £50,000 of funding from Cardiff and Vale UHB’s Value in Health Programme. Despite the higher initial cost, the team believes that this innovation will meet the needs of patients who cannot have conventional pacemakers, reducing the need for lengthy hospital stays and complex therapies. The technology is expected to generate savings of over £650,000 a year.

The Value in Health team, established in 2023, aims to help Health Board teams make better use of existing resources and deliver value to patients. In July 2024, they launched the first round of value awards to fund projects that improve care and achieve financial savings for the health board's goals. The team offers personalised support, including one-on-one guidance, process mapping, training, and project management advice.

Sophia Jones, Value in Health Programme Manager, said, “As the Value in Health Programme Manager, I am incredibly proud to support our teams across Cardiff and the Vale in improving patient health while making the most of our limited NHS resources. Through this project, we're helping to provide access to life-changing treatments, improve recovery times, enhance long-term outcomes, and reduce hospital stays—freeing up capacity for more patients to benefit. It’s a privilege to be part of a team driving such meaningful change, and I hope this work sets a lasting example for others to follow, ensuring sustainable improvements well beyond this funding."

This achievement marks a significant advancement in cardiac care in Wales, showcasing the potential of innovative medical technologies supported by Value in Health initiatives.