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February 2026’s Message
February is American Heart Month, a time when clinicians, researchers and advocates across the cardiovascular field emphasize heart-healthy practices and technological advances that improve care for patients of all ages — including our youngest hearts. The American College of Cardiology highlights this awareness month as an opportunity to share resources, education and collaboration across the cardiovascular community.
February also includes Congenital Heart Defect, or CHD, Awareness Week, observed Feb. 7–14, which focuses attention on improving research, treatment and lifelong care for patients born with heart defects. The American Heart Association marked the week by sharing patient stories and emphasizing the importance of continued progress in congenital heart care.
Research progress also continued this month. On Feb. 10, 2026, the American Heart Association and The Children’s Heart Foundation announced new funding to accelerate scientific discovery in congenital heart defect research, supporting investigators working to better understand, diagnose and treat these conditions. Congenital heart defects remain the most common birth defect, affecting roughly 1% of births in the United States, making continued research investment critical for improving outcomes for children.
At the same time, pediatric cardiac centers across the country are using Heart Month to spotlight the work being done every day for children with congenital heart disease. For example, the Children’s of Alabama Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center used American Heart Month 2026 to highlight advances in pediatric cardiac catheterization and multidisciplinary care that are helping improve outcomes for young patients with complex heart conditions.
While February did not bring a single headline-making breakthrough specifically in pediatric pacemaker technology, the month’s developments underscore an important reality: Progress in congenital heart research, clinical care and awareness campaigns all contribute to improving the lives of children with cardiac rhythm conditions. From increased research funding to greater public awareness and continued innovation in pediatric heart centers, the field continues to move steadily forward.
As Heart Month reminds us, every heartbeat matters. We remain grateful for the physicians, engineers, researchers, advocates and families who continue working to improve care for children living with congenital heart disease and pacing needs.
Until next time, and with heart,
The PPP
January 2026’s Message
As we step into a new year, January brings renewed momentum in pediatric cardiology and cardiac device innovation. Early 2026 research has continued to emphasize remote monitoring, device miniaturization and longer battery longevity — all critical priorities for children who depend on pacing support for years, and often decades, to come. Improvements in wireless data transmission and home-based monitoring platforms like Medtronic MyCareLink are helping physicians identify rhythm irregularities sooner, reducing unnecessary hospital visits while increasing families’ peace of mind.
This month, conversations in the broader cardiology community have also centered on equity in access to advanced cardiac care. Programs modeled after initiatives like Project My Heart Your Heart continue to inspire global collaboration, reinforcing that safe device reuse, responsible innovation and international training partnerships can expand lifesaving therapies to children in low-and middle-income countries. For families navigating congenital heart block or postoperative rhythm complications, access remains just as important as innovation itself.
Additionally, growing attention is being paid to the psychosocial experience of young patients living with implanted devices. As more children with pacemakers thrive into adolescence and adulthood, clinicians are studying quality-of-life outcomes through efforts such as Adult Congenital Heart Association’s research initiatives and published analyses in journals like Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology. This reflects an encouraging truth: survival is no longer the only benchmark — flourishing is.
While January may not have delivered a single headline-grabbing pediatric pacemaker breakthrough, the steady refinement of technology, the strengthening of global partnerships and the focus on whole-child care all signal meaningful progress. Each incremental improvement builds toward a future where every child with a pacing need receives not only safe and effective therapy, but comprehensive support.
We begin 2026 hopeful — grateful for the engineers, electrophysiologists, surgeons, nurses, researchers and families who continue to move this field forward. Every innovation, every study and every shared story brings us closer to a world where every little heart can beat with strength and confidence.
Until next time, and with heart,
The PPP
December 2025’s Message
Key developments in pediatric cardiology for December 2025 center on the 9th World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery, or WCPCCS, which was held Dec. 7-12 in Hong Kong. About 3,000 international experts convened to share research-centric approaches for bridging traditional pediatric cardiology care with modern, technology-driven and personalized, patient-centric approaches. Major themes include integrating artificial intelligence, or AI, in imaging, advances in fetal interventions and personalized therapies for congenital heart diseases.
Humanitarian and global health considerations strategies for improving CHD services in low- and middle-income countries. Providing access to accurate AI-supported screenings for underserved communities must be worked toward.
Also of importance was a focus on holistic care. Key discussions emphasized neurodevelopment and long-term outcomes, such as the impact of CHD on the entire family. Communication opportunities and strategies for supporting parents of children with CHD and their siblings’ quality of life aid in a patient’s well-being.
In addition to the many advances highlighted at the WCPCCS conference, the American College of Emergency Physicians produced an episode of Critical Decisions in Emergency Medicine addressing pediatric acquired heart defects (and savings 101) for physicians. In the first half of the 48-minute episode, Drs. Danya Khoujah and Wendy Chang cover rheumatic heart disease; Kawasaki disease, which is described as the most common cause of pediatric acquired heart disease in the U.S.; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which is often genetic; and Lyme carditis, which is a complication of early disseminated Lyme disease. Knowing how these complications begin and pathways to diagnosis can be empowering for children’s caregivers.
As 2025 sunsets, the pediatric cardiology field appears to be shifting toward “precision cardiology,” utilizing big data, digital health, and advanced imaging for better-tailored patience care. We champion the focus on the individual child and pray for the best resources everywhere for each, since every little heart deserves to find his/her beat!
Until next time, and with heart,
The PPP
November 2025’s Message
November brought a stream of developments in the pacemaker field, continuing the same track we saw throughout the fall. As technology advances and clinical teams expand on what was previously believed possible, we are hopeful per the progress being made for patients who will rely on this support for the rest of their lives.
In November, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, or KFSHRC, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, announced what is believed to be the first permanent pacemaker implantation in a newborn under 4 weeks of age, weighing just 2 kilograms — a major milestone for pediatric cardiac care in Asia and Africa. Traditional pacemakers are too large for infants, requiring improvised solutions that can create additional risks. KFSHRC’s team designed and implanted a customized device suitable for the infant’s anatomy, allowing for a stable heartbeat without the complications that come with an oversized pacemaker. Clinicians reported that the procedure was completed safely, and the infant demonstrated signs of improved cardiovascular stability in the days following the procedure.
Researchers from the University of Leeds in the UK, Université Grenoble Alpes in France and University Hospital of Grenoble-Alpes developed an AI-powered algorithm that could increase the lifespan of implanted pacemakers by tailoring device settings to each patient’s individual needs. Until now, cardiologists have relied on directions from manufacturers to determine the longevity of a device. But, the new algorithm provides predictive precision, allowing doctors and patients to decide together which features are necessary for each individual patient.
Another notable development this month came from the Madras Medical Mission in Chennai, India, where physicians successfully implanted a leadless pacemaker system into two elderly patients. This approach uses two miniature devices placed directly into the right atrium and right ventricle, eliminating surgical pockets and transvenous leads, reducing the risk of infections and lead dislodgement. This procedure was one of the first leadless dual-chamber pacemaker procedures in India, highlighting the advancing cardiac care for elderly patients.
These updates show how quickly pacemaker technology is advancing worldwide, with different countries driving progress and innovation in their own ways. From newborn pacing in Saudi Arabia to AI-driven optimization in Europe and leadless systems progressing in India, these developments reflect a global shift toward safer, more efficient and more adaptable devices, offering a clear view for the future of pediatric care.
Until next time, and with heart,
The PPP
October 2025’s Message
October has brought updates of AI influencing and positively impacting heart-device innovations. For instance, Tenure Health reported that whereas traditional pacemakers rely on basic algorithms to regulate heart rhythm, AI-powered devices analyze patient-specific data — including heart rate variability — to deliver personalized pacing therapies. This benefits individuals through real-time arrhythmia detection; AI algorithms can identify irregular heart rhythms with greater accuracy and speed, enabling prompt intervention. Further, AI can forecast potential heart issues before symptoms arise, shifting care from reactive to proactive to improve outcomes like decreased hospitalizations, enhanced quality of life and better long-term survival rates. As AI continues to evolve, cardiac pacemakers are expected to become even more sophisticated — empowering patients to live longer, healthier lives with smarter heart support.
October also saw positive reports from the Cardiovascular Research Foundation’s Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics, or TCT, conference Oct. 25-28. Touted as the premier global forum for showcasing breakthroughs in minimally invasive heart care, TCT brought together the world’s leading minds in interventional cardiology. One of this year’s many highlights included Johnson & Johnson’s Abiomed business’ Impella CP system, the world’s smallest heart pump, showing a 16.3% mortality reduction over 10 years in cardiogenic shock patients resulting in an additional 600 days of life. Also, Edwards’ Sapien heart-valve system, among several studies, showed how decade-long results from its PARTNER 2 intermediate risk studies reinforced the company’s valve’s lasting performance and outcomes across all risk profiles and generations. Also, in a landmark moment for Indian medtech, the Sahajanand Medical Technologies’ Supraflex Cruz Stent outperformed a leading U.S. stent in the TUXEDO-2 trial. The Indian-made stent’s superiority in safety and efficacy in treating coronary artery disease alongside lowering rates of restenosis and adverse cardiac events positioned Supraflex Cruz as a global cardiac-care-device contender. These developments reflect a growing global commitment to innovation, accessibility, and excellence in cardiovascular medicine.
Perhaps more directly pertinent to our audience: October’s research spotlight includes a breakthrough in implantable antenna design, which could enhance the safety and performance of future pacemakers and other biomedical devices. The study, published in Scientific Reports, evaluated a novel antenna’s electromagnetic behavior, specific absorption rate, or SAR, and thermal impact when implanted in human tissue. Key findings included low SAR values, meaning the antenna meets international safety standards, minimizing tissue heating and ensuring safe long-term use; stable thermal performance, or simulations showed minimal temperature rise, reducing risks of inflammation or tissue damage; and efficient electromagnetic transmission, or the antenna maintains strong signal integrity, which is critical for wireless communication between the device and external monitors.This research supports the development of next-generation pacemakers that are not only smarter but also safer and more reliable. As wireless monitoring becomes more common, innovations like these will be essential for improving patient outcomes and device longevity.
In sum: While October did not bring pediatric-specific breakthroughs, the cardiac- healthcare-device advancements made this month build a stronger foundation for future innovations that can help everyone, including the little ones. The continuing work of researchers, clinicians and engineers moves the field forward and brings hope for better, more equitable outcomes in pediatric cardiac care.
Until next time, and with heart,
The PPP
September 2025’s Message
September saw strides of advancement in the pacemaker world. It followed both July and August’s positive momentum, helping us to keep hope and think positively about the future for pacemaker technological developments for children.
September 1 brought the news of how reconditioned pacemakers are providing new hope for patients located in low- and middle-income countries. The trial, led by Project My Heart Your Heart, or MHYH, assessed the overall safety of implanting reconditioned pacemakers. All reconditioned pacemakers undergo a specific protocol before implantation to ensure high success rates. Compared to new device implantations in low- and middle-income countries, procedure-related infection rates were noninferior between the reconditioned devices using the specific procedure and new devices, with no malfunctions. The work of MHYH could be replicated by other organizations to facilitate wider pacemaker reuse.
This news benefits so many individuals globally who suffer from heart issues yet face financial challenges. By breaking down some of the financial burden of modern-day healthcare, it opens a lifesaving option, allowing more chance of a long and healthy life.
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center joins the joyous news, becoming the first in the U.S. to test a new pacemaker approach for targeting heart failure. The trial takes on one of the hardest heart conditions to treat: heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), also known as “stiff heart failure”. Pacemakers are routinely used to simulate hearts that beat too slowly, but this trial accelerates the heart rate in a tailored fashion to as-needed backup pacing. Implantation looks no different than a routine pacemaker procedure; it’s the programming that’s different. Trials like these fuel us with hope for the future of pacemaking and the technology that evolves with it.
While September’s news lacked specific advances in the “pediatric pacemaker” field, these advances may, like so many that originate first for adults, remind us to be grateful for those working in cardiology and cardiovascular technology as well as biomedical and electrical engineering. We appreciate the individuals who have dedicated their lives to the field of pacemakers, are passionate about it and advance it!
Until next time, and with heart,
The PPP
August 2025’s Message
August welcomed numerous advances in pediatric cardiology. Research regarding improving outcomes for infants after congenital heart surgery, like this announcement from UPMC, became public. Multicenter studies on pediatric heart transplant risks, like this Northwestern Medicine story, were released. And, as children prepare to head back to school, new guidance for young athletes with cardiac conditions was announced.
For those young sporty souls, the athletic playing field is leveling, regardless of age, due to a document designed to guide providers who care for young athletes specifically. Before, it was understood that athletes 5-7 years of age would typically self-limit their activity if feeling unwell, whereas competitive adolescents or teenagers would often push through to exhaustion. Now, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology offers a comprehensive and timely guide for providers managing cardiovascular health in pediatric athletes, or those 5-17 years of age who participate in organized and recreational sports. This evolution in pediatric cardiology care, especially in the field of sports, empowers young athletic pediatric patients to exercise in a safer way, growing into healthier adults. More can be learned here.
August has shown us that even little fit-focused hearts are finding their beat!
Until next time, and with heart,
The PPP
July 2025’s Message
July saw a flutter of progressions in pediatric cardiology. Developments included innovations in medical devices, like the IRIS Valve. Developed for infants and young children with congenital heart defects, this origami-inspired valve designed to expand as a child grows could reduce the need for repeat surgeries as a child matures. It moved closer to human testing in late July.
Advancements in genetic therapies for rare heart conditions also occurred. For instance, Solid Biosciences gained FDA clearance for a Phase 1b clinical trial of SGT-501, a gene therapy for catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, or CPVT. The therapy aims to address the underlying genetic cause of this disease, which is known for causing lethal arrhythmias in otherwise structurally sound hearts, leading to stabilization or support of normal cardiac rhythm.
And, cumulative research underscored, as Frontier published, the importance of researchers and clinicians working more closely together when managing congenital heart disease, or CHD, from bench to bedside. Such collaboration can increase the likelihood of children with CHD reaching adulthood. Stated another way, a multidisciplinary approach including AI-enhanced diagnostics and surgical innovations can improve outcomes for CHD patients.
So, July triumphed teams of pediatric heart academicians, researchers, doctors, clinicians and other caregiving advocates continuing needed pediatric-cardiology care. This included announcements surrounding technological advancements prolonging (quality of) life and a shift toward less invasive, more personalized, and preventative precautions. We are hopeful that more little hearts are finding their beat!
Until next time, and with heart,
The PPP
June 2025’s Message
June brought more hope and momentum to pediatric cardiac care, though pacemaker-specific updates were less prominent this month. Still, advancements across broader pediatric health offer promising context for our mission — and remind us that progress often comes in many forms.
One of the most significant updates came from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which in late June recommended Merck’s monoclonal antibody clesrovimab (Enflonsia) for infants under 8 months as protection against RSV, especially for those whose mothers weren’t vaccinated during pregnancy. With the approval now included in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, we expect broader access for vulnerable families this coming RSV season. While not a pacemaker innovation, it’s emblematic of the pediatric-focused regulatory shifts happening in June — echoing our goal of patient-first progress.
Although no new pediatric pacemaker trials debuted in June, we were reminded this spring of how innovation’s trajectory matters. The dissolvable, rice-sized temporary pacemaker — light-activated and injectable via syringe — made headlines in April and continued to generate widespread discussion throughout June, including features in tech media and a UK newspaper highlighting its promise for newborns. It represents emerging technology that could transform short-term pacing care for infants post-surgery, reducing infection risks and eliminating surgical removal — a concept whose ripple effects continue.
Likewise, the ongoing impact of the multicenter trial of a miniaturized implantable pacemaker for fragile infants remains profoundly relevant. This device has stabilized tiny hearts for up to two years with low complication rates, and study progress continues to be monitored closely — even if no new data arrived in June. The study’s finding that lab tests on a “straw-port” delivery method are underway adds promising momentum toward less invasive implantation — an essential pivot toward child-centered design.
While June’s headlines may lack a major pacemaker announcement, the month reminds us that incremental progress across pediatric health matters. Regulatory updates like ACIP’s RSV recommendation expand our protective toolkit, while pacemaker innovations — though quietly evolving — continue to move steadily forward.
These quieter currents of progress build the foundation for leaps yet to come. We’re encouraged by every regulatory nod and engineering prototype, knowing it reflects a growing commitment to pediatric-first solutions. And though the spotlight may have dimmed in June, our mission shines on.
Thank you for staying engaged and caring for our little heart warriors. Each advancement — however subtle — brings us closer to a future where no child’s heart feels small, and every beat is supported with care and innovation.
Until next time, and with heart,
The PPP
May 2025’s Message
May marks a meaningful moment in the calendar—a time of transition, growth, and often, deep appreciation. With celebrations like Mother’s Day and International Nurses Day on May 12, we honor the caregivers and healthcare professionals who tirelessly support children with heart conditions.
As spring turns to summer, more children head outdoors — reminding us how environmental factors can affect vulnerable hearts. A recent study published on May 14 underscores this concern, revealing that children are especially sensitive to air pollution, with those affected by Kawasaki disease and other pediatric heart conditions at greater risk for complications from poor air quality (Chen et al., 2024). As families plan summer activities, awareness of these hidden threats becomes a critical part of caring for young hearts.
In parallel, a recent perspective piece from Cleveland Clinic highlights another pressing issue: the need for large-scale studies in pediatric heart failure. With so much existing research based on adult populations, children are often left without targeted, evidence-based guidance (Consult QD, 2024). As we look toward future advocacy efforts, this call to action will guide our mission—amplifying the need for child-focused research and care models.
This May, our message is clear: protecting children’s hearts is a year-round commitment, shaped by both science and season. As always, we remain dedicated to sharing the research, resources, and reminders that help families navigate every heartbeat.
This May, our message is clear: protecting children’s hearts is a year-round commitment, shaped by both science and season. As always, we remain dedicated to sharing the research, resources, and reminders that help families navigate every heartbeat.
Until next time, and with heart,
The PPP
April 2025’s Message
April offers so many opportunities to reflect and refresh. As spring blossoms, hearts can also re-energize with longer, warmer, sunnier days ahead. And, as it turns out this month: Light is beautifully connected with a significant discovery in the pacemaker world.
Northwestern University announced April 2 that their engineers have developed the world’s smallest pacemaker — a pacemaker so small it can fit inside the tip of a syringe —and it’s activated by light. This means, the device, which is smaller than a single grain of rice and dissolvable, can be implanted or injected non-invasively into the body, minimizing harm or complications. Children, particularly infants, inspired the innovation, even though it can work with hearts of all sizes.
This development could drastically minimize the side effects, complications and/or costs of lifelong care associated with pacemakers in children. While no publicly available figures for total spending on pacemaker research specifically for pediatrics are available, studies have shown that the direct and indirect costs associated with pacemaker implantation and management in pediatric patients can be significant; latest estimates range from $180,664 to $472,774 and $15,939 to $36,429, respectively, over 20 years. And, needs for pacemakers in pediatric care are on the rise, with the number of pacemaker implantations climbing by 7.2 percent per year.
We are so grateful for the engineers and doctors working tirelessly to innovate and create, who, in doing so, help little hearts find their beat!
Until next time, and with heart,
The PPP
March 2025’s Message
Following American Heart Month, March begins with Pulse Day (March 1), which aims to raise awareness about heart rhythm disorders, according to the Arrhythmia Alliance. We at The PPP are sensitive to this, given how our own Scarlet, the inspiration behind our endeavor, developed her arrhythmia at 10 months old from a rare strain of the flu. So, the ongoing research and developments in areas like arrhythmias, heart disease, heart failure and lipid disorders, as outlined in the “What’s New in Cardiovascular Medicine” section of UpToDate, is good news for us and our friends!
To that end, we applaud annual conferences like the American College of Cardiology, or ACC, Scientific Sessions, held March 29-31, 2025, for cardiovascular professionals and offering a wide range of scientific presentations, discussions and educational sessions. The ACC also joined with the American Society on Nuclear Cardiology, or ASNC, on March 31, 2025, for a joint session on nuclear cardiology innovations. And with March being Women’s History Month, the ACC, among many other institutions including George Washington University, has encouraged not only a focus on women’s heart health, but also encouraged recognition of women’s contributions to the field.
We at The PPP join these organizations in raising awareness of heart conditions, because that awareness leads to more discoveries of and actions to assist children with their heart conditions. And, we at The PPP are so honored to have with us women pioneers, like Dr. Caridad de la Uz at Johns Hopkins. We salute you, Dr. de la Uz, as well as your wonderful staff, including Nurse Lígia Jordão and so many others, for being women making heart advancements benefitting children like our Scarlet!
Because strong hearts build strong futures.
Again, The PPP also advocates for better access to prenatal and pediatric cardiac care so that all children—regardless of their circumstances— have the opportunity for a healthy heart and a full life.
If you have insights, stories, or research to share, we welcome your voice! Join us on our social media platforms or email us at [email protected] to be part of our mission. We are also openly accepting Triumphs and Tributes for our little heart warriors. Check out our Community page for more information.
We’re glad you found us! Circle back next month to read the latest in our Heart News segment and for more updates from the team.
Until next time, and with heart,
The PPP
February 2025’s Message
As February ends, we reflect on the meaning of American Heart Month as something more than a yearly observance. Heart disease is an important topic for all Americans. According to the American Heart Association’s late-January 2025 report, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US, with someone in the US dying of cardiovascular disease about every 34 seconds. And, while numbers continue to rise, most important for us at The PPP is awareness of congenital heart disease (CHD) in children. This is closer to our hearts and a daily observance. February was also Black History Month. And while we celebrate our communities of color, we also acknowledge that CHD knows no boundaries nor barriers, affecting adults and children of all genders, ethnicities and backgrounds. Research continues to highlight this troubling reality: Children from low-socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to suffer from CHD and face greater barriers to care.
It is fitting that our organization’s first steps be during a month that both serves as a national reminder for heart health and of the power of minority voice. In starting the year and our first year, we wish to push the stories of our youngest heart warriors to the forefront and always fight for heart-health equity.
In February, we took our first steps toward connecting with the heart-health community, engaging with pediatric heart stories, digesting new research, and growing awareness about pediatric pacemakers and CHD through our social media platforms. Most of all, we introduced ourselves, our values, and our founding story. And, we hope that our followers will share their stories with us as our organization grows. We are grateful for all your continued support and participation, and by engaging closer, we hope we can strengthen our sense of community with The PPP.
February was also a month of happy Heart News. One story is of newborn Mikey, who is thriving after two months with the world’s smallest pacemaker — the size of a vitamin— and 1 of 51 babies in the United States with the MicraTM pacemaker. Pediatric cardiologists at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital implanted the pacemaker mid-December after he was born in December with congenital heart block. Since the operation, he has been home with his mother, Sarah, and two little brothers. Outside the US, in Peru, teams at Good Hope Adventist Clinic also implanted the first leadless pacemaker in South America for a 9-year-old girl, setting a precedent for less-invasive procedures in pacemaker care for Latin American heart patients and better recovery. We reiterate: We are not a medical site—we are a hub, a community, and a place where little hearts find their beat. But, we remain committed to bringing you the latest in pacemaker-for-pediatrics –“pediatric pacemaker” – news and supporting and uplifting the health stories of children with pacemakers and their supporters.
This month, March, by presidential proclamation, is Women’s History Month. It brings us International Women’s Day. Together, we have an opportunity to focus on women’s health. Especially for women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy or the possibility of pregnancy at some time in their lifetime: Early awareness and proactive care can make all the difference in their (future) child’s life. Research shows that maternal health is key, with conditions like diabetes and hypertension playing a role in congenital heart conditions. This month especially, when we all may be more prone to hearing stories of, about and for women, we encourage mothers and our future mothers to prioritize their heart health.
Because strong hearts build strong futures.
The PPP also advocates for better access to prenatal and pediatric cardiac care so that all children—regardless of their circumstances— have the opportunity for a healthy heart and a full life.
If you have insights, stories, or research to share, we welcome your voice! Join us on our social media platforms or email us at [email protected] to be part of our mission. We are also openly accepting Triumphs and Tributes for our little heart warriors. Check out our Community page for more information.
We’re glad you found us! Circle back next month to read the latest in our Heart News segment and for more updates from the team.
Until next time, and with heart,
The PPP
January 2025’s Message
Welcome to our Monthly Newsletter, one of your destinations for news about pediatric heart matters! Hosted here will be updates in the ongoing efforts within the pediatric cardiology community. Since the majority of updates and advances in the pacemaker field occur among adults before trickling to children, the latest in adult pacemaker care will also be featured here.
We emphasize again that we are not a medical site. Rather, we are a warehouse or hub of pacemaker information, focusing on pediatrics. We aim to build community within and provide a voice for this quiet community. For this reason, we call on you to share what you know. Email us at [email protected] to share in our effort!
At this time, we draw your attention to a few current stories in the news relating to pacemakers.
First, NYU Winthrop Hospital successfully announced the implementation of the first leadless pacemaker. While this surgery is not available for everyone, it does indicate progress in the pacemaker field.
Second, Children’s Hospital Colorado recently discovered that 3D echocardiograms are far more accurate for pacemaker placement. This innovation will benefit children and adults with finding suitable locations for their pacemaker.
Third, Children’s Hospital Boston is searching for additional ways to reduce the cost of these pacemaker surgeries on children’s families. Since these can be major surgeries that are a large financial burden, it’s encouraging to see hospitals recognize this and workshop solutions to those in need. Additional advances can be seen in Sacramento, as Dr. Dan Cortez successfully implanted the smallest pacemaker ever, into the smallest patient to ever receive one. This advancement reveals an alternative to major surgery, where the newly developed, tiny pacemaker can be inserted and absorbed through only a small incision.
Finally, the Heart Institute at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh successfully implanted its first leadless pacemaker. While more research remains into when and how these leadless pacemakers can be utilized, it does demonstrate a tremendous advancement in medical technology for the medical community. Hopefully, these selected recent heart-related news matters will give you hope and optimism toward the future of heart care.
Again, thank you for visiting this page and be sure to circle back, as we’ll continue to update this section regularly. Please feel free to check out our other pages for more information about “pediatric” pacemakers, including our inspirational Triumphs and Tributes page to hear from patients and caregivers! Lastly, don’t forget to follow us on our social media channels, too: Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Because: This is where little hearts find their beat.
Until next time, and with heart,
The PPP