Because of the nuances of our anatomy, it is essentially impossible to get a cardiac lead into the endocardium of the left ventricle and have it securely stay there. Yet it is the left ventricle that is the best target to regulate cardiac rhythms in many circumstances. The result is that pacemakers are pacing the right ventricular side of the heart of all the patients out there. Soon there may be a better option that works on the left side as well as it provides more optimized therapy that leads to improved hemodynamics for the patients.
EBR Systems, a Sunnyvale, California firm, just obtained an Investigational Device Exemption from the FDA to initiate a clinical trial of its WiSE (Wireless Stimulation Endocardially) Technology that couples a traditional pacemaker with a new system to deliver electric signals to the left and right side of the heart. WiSE relies on an implant that detects the pacing signals of a traditional pacemaker and produces an appropriately matching ultrasound signal that is directed at a tiny electrode attached to the interior of the left ventricle. The electrode resonates and produces a small electric current, resulting in a wireless lead that avoids a lot of the complications of wired designs.
The system already received European regulatory approval, though further studies will be needed to truly assess the clinical value of the WiSE system.
Check out a video at this link that uses animation to explain the functionality of the WiSE system…
Flashback: WiSE Wireless Technology for LV Pacing Without Coronary Sinus Leads Approved in EU…
Source: EBR Systems…