Medtronic has received CE Mark for its next-generation Micra AV2 and Micra VR2 leadless pacemakers.

These devices, claimed to be the world's smallest pacemakers, are designed to offer longer battery life and programming capabilities.

The Micra AV2 and Micra VR2 pacemakers have approximately 40% more battery life compared to their predecessors, projecting a lifespan of nearly 16 and 17 years, respectively.

This advancement suggests that more than 80% of patients receiving a Micra device may only need one for their lifetime.

In addition to their compact size, the Micra pacemakers feature remote monitoring capabilities to allow healthcare providers to check on a patient's heart device remotely, eliminating the need for in-person clinic visits.

Medtronic cardiovascular portfolio, cardiac rhythm management business general manager Robert Kowal said: “For more than eight years, our Micra leadless pacemakers have provided meaningful benefits to people in Europe who require a pacemaker. Now, these patients have access to the latest leadless pacing technology that, for most of them, maybe the only device they will ever need.”

University Hospitals of Leuven, Belgium cardiologist Dr Christophe Garweg said: “The first generation of leadless Micra pacemakers demonstrated a significant reduction in major complications, and this next generation of Micra brings several additional benefits including greater longevity, and specifically for the Micra AV2, new algorithms to optimise AV synchrony at faster heart rates while requiring less in-office programming.

“These advantages likely will expand the use of the leadless pacemaker to more patients.”

Last November, Medtronic received CE mark approval for its pulsed field system and cryoablation console devices to treat atrial fibrillation.