Advantages of leadless pacemakers compared to conventional pacemakers

Type of funding sources: None.

Leadless pacemakers (L-PM) are a new safe alternative technology for pacing the right ventricle. However, not enough information is available on their potential benefits for quality of life (QoL) in patients with L-PM. The purpose of the study was the quality of life comparison of patients with L-PM and conventional pacemakers (C-PM).

The study included patients who underwent implantation of a single-chamber pacemaker from December 2018 to March 2022. We used the SF-36 Questionnaire to assess quality of life at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of follow-up. We also used a questionnaire consisting of 10 specific questions related to the implantation procedure.

Total of 32 patients were included (16 L-PM; 16 C-PM). There were no differences in baseline characteristics between groups (L-PM vs. C-PM), except for age (47.5 vs. 57.3 years; P = 0.012) and diabetes 28% vs. 21%; P = 0.021). Baseline SF-36 did not differ between groups. After 6 months of follow-up, patients in the L-PM group showed significantly higher scores on physical function (47 vs 32; P<0.001), physical role (53 vs 37; P=0.004) and mental health (67 vs 52; P=0.017), even after adjusting for covariates. Pacemaker-related discomfort and physical limitations were significantly lower in the L-PM group.

L-PM is associated with a better quality of life than C-PM, both in terms of physical and mental health. Patients who underwent L-PM implantation reported less procedure-related discomfort, physical limitations, and anxiety.