Brussels first: a new type of wireless pacemaker implanted in the atrium at the Europe Hospitals
Uccle, 02/04/2026 – Once again, the Cardiology Department at the Europe Hospitals is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation. It now offers the implantation of a new type of wireless pacemaker placed in the atrium. This implantation of the Aveir AR2, Abbott’s latest-generation leadless cardiac pacemaker, is a first in the Brussels-Capital Region. The two patients who have already benefited from it have been discharged from the hospital and are doing well, as reported by Dr Cynthia Barbraud, a cardiologist specialized in electrophysiology, who is developing this new technique at the Europe Hospitals.
Dr Barbraud first wishes to recall the history of cardiac pacemakers: “Pacemakers have existed for a long time, but historically they consist of a device implanted under the skin and connected to the heart via leads placed in the vessels to stimulate the heart when it beats too slowly. However, this device is not suitable for all patients, particularly in cases of vascular problems or increased risk of infection.”
Now for the atrium as well
For about ten years, a new miniaturized device without leads in the vessels has been developed. It consists of a capsule implanted directly into the heart, without leads or a subcutaneous generator. Until now, however, these devices were limited to the ventricle, for patients who do not require synchronization between the atrium and the ventricle.
Today, a new technology also makes it possible to stimulate the atrium. The company Abbott has developed a leadless cardiac pacemaker, the Aveir AR2. This is a similar capsule, implanted via the femoral vein directly into the atrium. It can be used on its own or in combination with a ventricular pacemaker to ensure full synchronization of the heart rhythm.
“This innovation makes it possible to offer a less invasive alternative by stimulating the atrium in patients who do not require ventricular stimulation, while also ensuring full synchronization when combined with another pacemaker in the ventricle,” explains Dr Barbraud.
Two successful implantations
In March, the first two implantations in the Brussels-Capital Region took place at the Europe Hospitals, illustrating the concrete benefits of this technology.
“The first patient, a young adult whose conventional pacemaker had become infected, was able to receive a leadless pacemaker implanted in the atrium only. This was a solution tailored to his specific needs, as he did not require ventricular stimulation,” reports the cardiologist.
“The second patient, older, required synchronization between the atrium and the ventricle. However, following a stroke, he presented with spasticity in the arm. For mobility reasons, he preferred to keep his other arm completely free. Thanks to this device, he was able to avoid the constraints associated with a subcutaneous generator, thus improving his comfort and mobility. That same evening, both patients were able to move their arms without difficulty and were discharged from the hospital the next day,” continues Dr Barbraud.
No real contraindications
There are no real contraindications to the use of this new pacemaker, but its use must still be assessed on a case-by-case basis, particularly for patients who require more physiological pacing because their heart function is weaker.
In addition, its lifespan—estimated between 10 and 16 years depending on usage—and the battery replacement procedures require careful patient selection.
This first implantation marks an important milestone for the Europe Hospitals, which are thus joining the ranks of pioneering hospitals in the adoption of leadless cardiac pacing technologies. It represents a major advance for patients and for cardiac electrophysiology in Belgium.
