10 The Ramsay Way 2017 | 03
Dr Karin Chia (Cardiologist and Cardiac electrophysiologist), and the team at North Shore Private
Hospital recently commenced their leadless pacing program.
The first three patients to receive the technology on the campus were successfully implanted on the 4th of August using the
Medtronic Micra® Transcatheter Pacing System (TPS) - currently the only approved leadless pacing technology.
Bradycardia is a condition characterised by a slow or irregular heart rhythm, usually fewer than 60 beats per minute (a normal
heart rate is 60 – 100 bpm).
At this rate, the heart is unable to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body during normal activity or exercise, causing
dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath or fainting spells. Left untreated, bradycardia can cause the heart to stop.
The pacemaker is the size of a large vitamin and weighs less than a coin. The Medtronic Micra® Transcatheter Pacing System
(TPS) delivers the most advanced pacing technology available to patients. Micra is delivered using a catheter, and attached
directly to the heart wall – without the need for thin wires or ‘leads’.
The leadless pacemakers do not require a surgical “pocket” under the skin, so potential sources of complications are eliminated - as are
any visible signs of the device. There is no need for significant interruption of anticoagulants or antiplatelets.
Patients generally experience results instantly with their heart pacing at a normal rhythm, and return home the following day
with minimal activity restrictions beyond that required after femoral venous access.
HOSPITAL NEWS
Dr Karin Chia and the team at North Shore Private.
New Farm Clinic rTMS Service
New Farm Clinic introduced rTMS services in early 2015 with one machine and
a plan that it would be used for the occasional patient as an adjunct to their
treatment regimen.
Two years on and the Clinic has a dedicated rTMS Suite with 3 machines that provides a 7 day
service. Dr Jane Schouten is the Director of rTMS, and has been instrumental and the main
driving force in setting up and establishing the rTMS services at the Clinic.
Emmeline Nichols, Nurse Unit Manager, Unit 1 and rTMS Suite leads a dedicated and
committed team of nurses who are trained in rTMS.
The Clinic now performs on average 30 treatments a day with a year on year increase from
2016 to 2017 from 222 treatments a month to 925 a month.
JOHN FLYNN IN AN
AUSTRALIAN VASCULAR
SURGERY FIRST
In August, John Flynn Private Hospital performed the
very first operation in Australia using the new IGS730
Discovery Hybrid Vascular Lab.
This latest technology provides a new way of
treating vascular disease using a minimally invasive
technique. This endovascular approach offers the
patient a shorter hospital stay and accelerated
recovery.
Surgeon, Dr Jonathon Stewart performed a
peripheral vascular (leg) procedure with great ease
and commented positively on the intuitiveness of the
technology, whereby he could literally walk in to the
lab and immediately take the controls with minimal
effort, making it a very smooth transition from the
previous machine to this advanced and innovative
equipment.
Dr Stewart particularly said the enhanced imaging
enabled him to see and operate on the smallest of
blood vessels with less risk to the patient and less
radiation used. He was also very pleased with the
outcome and patient prognosis.
Tiny, leadless
cardiac
pacemaker
sets heart’s
pacing
Dr Karin Chia and patient