New leadless pacemaker technology offers a less invasive treatment

An Ollerton man has been given ‘a new lease of life’ after becoming the first patient at Sherwood Forest Hospitals to receive a leadless pacemaker, as the Trust introduces this innovative treatment option for certain heart rhythm conditions.

Unlike a conventional pacemaker, which consists of a pulse generator implanted under the skin and leads that connect the device to the heart, a leadless pacemaker is a miniature device implanted directly inside the heart via a vein in the leg.

Robert Lee, 81, underwent the procedure at King’s Mill Hospital on Monday 14 September. He explained how, after first having a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or a ‘mini stroke’ in August 2025 followed by a full stroke in March 2026, he experienced shortness of breath and was subsequently diagnosed with a heart block. This affected him even when asleep and a pacemaker was recommended.

Praising the team at Sherwood Forest Hospitals as excellent, he described how he was awake and aware during the procedure and recommended anyone who was offered it to ‘just have it done’.

Leaving hospital just four hours after his procedure, Robert was looking forward to a ‘new lease of life’ where he would be able to drive again and enjoy indoor bowls with his wife, once more. They are also considering going on a cruise as they celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary next year.

The introduction of this technology represents an important advancement in cardiac care and in the development of the Trust’s pacing and device service providing selected patients with an alternative that completely eliminates the need for a traditional chest incision and pacing leads. Moving forward, patients will leave hospitals within two hours of having the procedure.

Leadless pacemakers offer several potential benefits, including:

• A minimally invasive procedure, with the device delivered through a catheter, via a blood vessel in the groin

• No visible chest scar or pacemaker pocket, as the device is implanted within the heart

• No traditional pacing leads, reducing the risk of certain complications associated with leads such as lead displacement, damage or infection

Consultant Cardiologist, Dr Ifti Fazal said: “Introducing leadless pacemaker technology allows us to offer eligible patients another option for managing slow heart rhythms which offers greater comfort and freedom of movement because there is no device implanted beneath the skin”

“This is an exciting development for the Cardiology Department and, most importantly, means that another advanced cardiac treatment can be offered to our patients locally, here at Sherwood Forest Hospitals,” added Consultant Cardiologist. Dr Sukhbinder Bassi.

Leadless pacemakers are not suitable for everyone. Patients will be assessed individually by the cardiology team to determine the most appropriate type of pacemaker based on their heart rhythm, medical history and individual needs.

Sherwood Forest Hospitals is committed to providing patients with access to modern, evidence-based cardiac treatments and technologies that can improve the quality and experience of care.