What are the indications for a Micra (Medtronic Micra, transcatheter pacing system) pacemaker?

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Last updated: February 11, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

The Micra (Medtronic Micra, transcatheter pacing system) pacemaker is indicated for patients with symptomatic bradycardia or conduction disorders, including those with second-degree Mobitz type II atrioventricular block, high-grade atrioventricular block, or third-degree atrioventricular block not caused by reversible or physiologic causes 1.

Indications for Micra Pacemaker

  • Symptomatic bradycardia: The Micra pacemaker is suitable for patients with symptomatic bradycardia, including those with sinus node dysfunction or atrioventricular block 1.
  • Conduction disorders: Patients with conduction disorders, such as second-degree or third-degree atrioventricular block, may benefit from the Micra pacemaker 1.
  • Atrioventricular block: The Micra pacemaker is indicated for patients with atrioventricular block, including those with second-degree Mobitz type II or third-degree atrioventricular block 1.

Key Considerations

  • Shared decision-making: The decision to implant a Micra pacemaker should be made using a shared decision-making approach, taking into account the patient's goals of care, preferences, and values 1.
  • Patient selection: Patients with significant comorbidities or those who are unlikely to benefit from pacing therapy should not undergo Micra pacemaker implantation 1.
  • Alternative therapies: Patients should be informed of alternative therapies and the potential risks and benefits of the Micra pacemaker 1. The Micra pacemaker is a leadless pacing system, which may be preferred in certain patients, such as those with venous obstruction or high risk of lead complications 1. However, the decision to implant a Micra pacemaker should be individualized based on the patient's specific needs and circumstances.

From the Research

Indications for Micra Pacemaker

The Micra pacemaker is indicated for patients with certain heart conditions that require permanent cardiac pacing. The specific indications for the Micra pacemaker include:

  • Atrioventricular block (AV block) 2
  • Sinus node dysfunction 2
  • Bradycardia 3
  • Indications for ventricular pacing, including those with atrial fibrillation (AF) and those without AF 4

Patient Selection

Patient selection is a key component of securing optimal patient outcomes with leadless pacing. Patients with a primary pacing indication associated with AF or history of AF, as well as those without AF, can be considered for the Micra pacemaker 4. The decision to implant a Micra pacemaker should be based on individual patient characteristics and needs.

Clinical Evidence

Clinical studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the Micra pacemaker in patients with various indications for permanent cardiac pacing. These studies have shown that the Micra pacemaker can be safely and effectively implanted, with low rates of complications and adverse events 2, 5, 4, 3, 6. The Micra pacemaker has been shown to provide stable pacing parameters and reliable battery performance, with an extremely high implant success rate and significantly lower major complication rates compared to transvenous pacemakers 3.

Key Findings

Some key findings from the clinical studies include:

  • The Micra pacemaker can be safely and effectively implanted in patients with AV block, sinus node dysfunction, and other indications for ventricular pacing 2, 6
  • The Micra pacemaker has a low rate of complications and adverse events, including major complications related to the system or implant procedure 5, 4
  • The Micra pacemaker provides stable pacing parameters and reliable battery performance, with an extremely high implant success rate and significantly lower major complication rates compared to transvenous pacemakers 3

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Patient selection, pacing indications, and subsequent outcomes with de novo leadless single-chamber VVI pacing.

Europace : European pacing, arrhythmias, and cardiac electrophysiology : journal of the working groups on cardiac pacing, arrhythmias, and cardiac cellular electrophysiology of the European Society of Cardiology, 2019

Research

The rationale and design of the Micra Transcatheter Pacing Study: safety and efficacy of a novel miniaturized pacemaker.

Europace : European pacing, arrhythmias, and cardiac electrophysiology : journal of the working groups on cardiac pacing, arrhythmias, and cardiac cellular electrophysiology of the European Society of Cardiology, 2015

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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