By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
Kenya, 3 April 2026 - Cardiac specialists at the Aga Khan University Hospital have successfully implanted a leadless pacemaker for the first time in sub-Saharan Africa, a move aimed at expanding treatment options for patients with heart rhythm disorders across the region.
Unlike other pacemakers, which require a surgeon to make an incision in the upper chest and insert electrical wires (leads) through veins into the heart, the leadless pacemakers are capsule-sized devices that are delivered directly to the heart through a catheter inserted via a vein in the leg.
The first patient who underwent the procedure required a leadless pacemaker because conventional implantation was not feasible due to severe obstruction of the central veins, linked to long-term dialysis access and prior radiotherapy treatment, according to the hospital.
“Leadless pacing provided an ideal solution for this patient,” said Dr Jeilan, who was part of the team.
“In cases where veins are blocked or access is compromised, this technology allows us to deliver effective therapy without the need for surgical pockets or transvenous leads.”
A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered medical device implanted under the skin to treat abnormal heart rhythms by delivering precise electrical impulses to the heart.
This device regulates the heart rate, preventing it from beating too slowly. Medics often use it for conditions like bradycardia or heart block, ensuring consistent blood flow.
The pacemaker used in this procedure was the latest generation, which can coordinate electrical activity between heart chambers in selected patients, expanding eligibility compared to earlier systems.
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Medical experts recommend the leadless pacemakers to patients with blocked veins, those on long-term dialysis, individuals with a high risk of infection, and patients who have previously experienced device infections.
Dr Mzee Ngunga, President of the Kenya Cardiac Society, who was also part of the procedural team, has described the procedure as a major stride for cardiac care in the country.
“Increasingly, patients in our region are able to access cutting-edge technologies in heart care, something which contrasts with previous decades where most patients were unable to access advanced cardiac treatments,” Dr Ngunga said.
“Introducing leadless pacing demonstrates that we continue to provide world-class, cutting-edge care locally,” he added.