Memorial Health System announces cardiac lead management program, using laser technology to keep hearts pumping

With more than 7 million cardiac implanted electronic devices (CIED) worldwide, proactive lead management takes on a critical role

– Memorial is the first on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to perform laser lead extraction, intended to bring a proactive approach to helping ensure patients with implanted cardiac devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators enjoy a lifetime of good health. This accomplishment brings the Memorial Electrophysiology program to the forefront of utilizing laser technology to keep hearts pumping.

Memorial Cardiac Electrophysiologist Ronald Jones, MD, performed this technique to remove a cardiac device from inside a heart earlier this year. Cardiac devices, such as pacemakers or defibrillators, and the leads that connect to them, require ongoing management and maintenance including removal or replacement.

“Managing cardiac implanted electronic device leads has never been more important,” said Dr. Jones. “Patients with CIEDs are on a lifelong journey, and we are here to make sure it’s a healthy one.”

The lead management program at Memorial is equipped with state-of-the-art laser technology, a clinically proven safe and effective treatment for lead removal. There are more than 7 million implanted electronic cardiac devices worldwide and another 700,000 are implanted every year, translating to approximately double that number of leads.