In an evolution of medical technology that dates to the 1950s, pacemakers that contain no lead components and are less intrusive than earlier versions are on the market.
This year marked the introduction of the atrial leadless pacemaker, which like those that came before it uses electrical impulses to regulate slow or erratic heartbeats.
Dr. Steven Ross, a clinical cardiac electrophysiologist at Baptist Medical Center, said the new technology allows for two leadless units to be inserted, one in the top right chamber and the other in the lower left chamber, to better control and monitor heart function.