Your browser is out of date

With an updated browser, you will have a better Medtronic website experience. Update my browser now.

×

Skip to main content
Patient golfing

Micra Transcatheter Pacing System

Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate)

Meet Micra

Micra™ is the newest and smallest in our line of pacemakers,

Micra small leadless pacemaker

The World’s Smallest Pacemaker1

Unlike most pacemakers that are placed in the patient's chest with leads running to the heart, Micra is implanted directly into the patient’s heart.

  • Less invasive – Micra is placed in the heart via a vein in the leg, thus no chest incision, scar, or bump that results from conventional pacemakers.
  • Self-contained – Micra is completely self-contained within the heart. It eliminates potential medical complications arising from a chest incision and from wires running from a conventional pacemaker into the heart.
  • Small – Micra is 93% smaller than conventional pacemakers, about the size of a large vitamin capsule.2

For most patients, Micra's design translates to fewer medical complications and fewer post-implant activity restrictions. 

Hear from MicraTM patients

Proven Features

The Micra design incorporates certain time-tested, valuable features from the Medtronic line of pacemakers:

  • Permits you to safely undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a diagnostic tool doctors use to "see" inside the body
  • Adjusts your heart rate automatically, by sensing changes in your body related to your activity level and adjusting your heart rate accordingly
  • Features an estimated battery longevity of 12 years

Watch a short animation of the Micra placement procedure.
More information (see more) Less information (see less)

FAQ

IS MICRA FOR EVERY PATIENT?

Micra is intended for patients with specifc pacing needs. Ask your doctor if Micra is an option for you.

HOW IS A TRADITIONAL PACEMAKER SYSTEM IMPLANTED?

  • A small incision, approximately 5 cm long is made in the upper chest
  • A lead (thin insulated wires, like a spaghetti noodle) is guided through the
  • vein into the heart
  • Your doctor connects the lead to the pacemaker and programs the device
  • The pacemaker is then inserted beneath the skin
  • Your doctor tests the pacemaker to ensure it is working properly
  • The incision is then closed.
Image showing positioning of a traditional pacemaker in the human body

Traditional pacemaker implant

HOW IS MICRA IMPLANTED3?

  • Your doctor will insert a straw-like catheter system into a vein, typically near the upper thigh area of your leg
  • The catheter system moves the Micra into the right ventricle of the heart
  • Micra is placed against the heart wall and secured with flexible tines
  • Your doctor tests the Micra to ensure it is working properly
  • The catheter system is then removed.

After your procedure, you will be given a pacemaker identification card. Always carry it with you as it contains important information about your leadless pacemaker.

Image showing the positioning of Micra device in the human body

Micra pacemaker implant

What happens when my micra needs replacing?

A new Micra is needed when battery power falls to a low level. Battery power is affected by many factors, including the nature of the heart condition. The estimated average battery life for a Micra device is approximately 8-13 years after it is implanted.4,5 Individual patient experience may vary. The battery power is checked at each Micra follow-up appointment. The doctor or nurse will notify you when you need a new pacemaker. When a new device is needed, the Micra device may be either simply turned off or removed from the body before a new Micra device or traditional pacemaker system is implanted. Your doctor will determine what is best for you.3,6

What FOLLOW UP CARE AND MONITORING are needed?

Your doctor will set follow-up appointments. During such follow-ups, you should not only mention the symptoms that may have occurred during action of the pacemaker, you should also take this opportunity to ask any questions you may have and talk about your concerns and potential fears.

The follow-up appointments enable your Micra to be thoroughly checked. During these check-ups, your doctor may:

  • Monitor the battery status of the Micra
  • Review and adjust (if needed) your Micra settings to ensure they are programmed appropriately for your medical needs.

This is done through a programmer, a small computer kept at your doctor’s office. Your doctor will use the programmer to retrieve information stored in your Micra.

What is remote monitoring?

We understand it is important to stay connected to your care team from the comfort of your home or wherever you’re traveling - remote monitoring* allows for this flexibility.

Today, millions of people implanted with heart devices are remotely monitored. Remote monitoring has been shown to:

  • Communicate any heart rhythm and device changes which require attention
  • Reduce hospitalisations and Emergency Room (ER) visits
  • Increase Quality of Life
  • Provide you with a sense of security and peace of mind.
*Subject to local availability

How does remote monitoring work?

A small monitor is used to send information from your pacemaker to your clinic. Once received, your clinic can review your information on a secure website. Remote monitoring provides easy access to information that allows your doctor to:

  • Manage your heart condition
  • Monitor your leadless pacemaker
  • Obtain information from your leadless pacemaker on an as-needed basis.

Your Micra has built-in safeguards that protect your device and your device data to prevent any outside parties from accessing your device (often referred to as "hacking"). Your Micra encrypts any data that it sends to your clinic. Your Micra can only be programmed by your doctor using the programmer in their office.

What if I need an MRI SCAN?

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a type of diagnostic that creates an internal view of the body. Traditionally, most pacemakers are not considered safe in an MRI environment because the MRI could change the settings, temporarily affect the normal operation of, or potentially damage the pacemaker.

Micra is approved for use in the MRI environment, having a unique design developed so that under specific conditions, people may safely undergo MRI scans. Your doctor should discuss all potential benefits and risks of an MRI scan with you.

How will Micra affect my daily life?

As long as your doctor has no objections, you can resume all the activities you enjoyed before getting your Micra. Speak with your family and friends about your leadless pacemaker as it can make you feel more secure. Support groups and associations can be of valuable assistance.

Pacemakers are built with protective shields, so the majority of items that you use or come into contact with will not affect the normal operation of your Micra.

Image of adults on a beach

Next: Carelink remote monitoring network

 

Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.

The device that appears on this page is a representation of a Medtronic device. It does not include certain identifying information that may appear on Medtronic devices, such as model number or serial number.

References

1

Nippoldt, Doug, Whiting, Jon; Micra Transcatheter Pacing System: Device Volume Characterization Comparison, November 2014, Medtronic Data on File.

2

Williams, Eric; Whiting, Jon. Micra Transcatheter Pacing System Size Comparison. November 2014. Medtronic Data on File.

3

Medtronic Micra™ MC1VR01 Clinician Manual. April 2015.

4

Medtronic Micra™ AV MC1AVR1 Device Manual. March 2020.

5

Pender J, Whiting J. Micra AV Battery Longevity. January 2020. Medtronic data on file.

6

Reynolds D, Duray GZ, Omar R, et al. A Leadless Intracardiac Transcatheter Pacing System. N Engl J Med. February 11, 2016;374(6):533-541.