Former Vice President Mike Pence has undergone surgery to have a pacemaker implanted. to.pbs.org/3mQ7lCg | PBS NewsHour

Meet the Micra by @medtronic —the world’s smallest pacemaker! 🩺✨ This tiny yet mighty device is used to treat slow heart rhythms (bradycardia) by delivering precise electrical pulses to help the heart beat regularly. What makes it revolutionary? 👉 It’s leadless—no wires required—reducing the risk of complications associated with traditional pacemakers. 👉 Its size and design make it a major advancement in pacing technology, offering a safer, less invasive option for patients. . . . . . #pacema

While pacemaker leads are designed to be permanent, extraction of the leads is sometimes necessary due to complications or changes in a patient’s condition. Common reasons include: 👉 Infection of the pocket or leads (most frequent cause) 👉 Lead malfunction (fracture, insulation failure) 👉 Venous obstruction or scar tissue buildup 👉 Chronic pain linked to the system 👉 Device upgrades or need for MRI compatibility Lead extraction carries risk and requires expertise, and hence it is important