ECG monitoring shows a restored normal heart rhythm of Zhao Photo:screenshot from Hunan local media outlet

In a groundbreaking medical achievement, doctors at a hospital in Changsha, Central China's Hunan Province successfully implanted a "capsule pacemaker" in a 104-year-old man, setting a record for the highest age for this type of procedure at the hospital. This milestone has shattered the notion that age is a barrier to advanced cardiac technology.

Local media outlets reported on Monday that in May, Zhao, 104, began experiencing symptoms including tightness in his chest and shortness of breath. His family rushed him to Changsha Taihe Hospital for treatment. It was discovered that Zhao had a history of intermittent ventricular pacing due to a malfunctioning pacemaker implanted 13 years ago. The condition posed a high risk of sudden cardiac arrest, necessitating the replacement of the pacemaker.

Considering Zhao's advanced age and multiple underlying health conditions, including obstructive lung disease, fungal pneumonia, coronary heart disease, and Type-2 diabetes, the traditional pacemaker implantation procedure posed a high risk of infection and poor wound healing. Dr. Jiang Bin, deputy director of the cardiovascular department, recommended the implantation of a permanent pacemaker.

The innovative "capsule pacemaker" is the size of a capsule, weighing less than 2 grams, which does not require wires or incisions in the skin, minimizing the risk of infection. 

Under local anesthesia, the pacemaker was implanted into Zhao's right ventricular septum through his femoral vein, providing the necessary cardiac pacing function without the complications associated with traditional pacemakers.

Following a detailed anesthesia assessment and precise planning by anaesthetist Zeng Guang and his team, the pacemaker was successfully implanted in Zhao's optimal pacing site. 

Post-surgery, continuous cardiac monitoring showed a restored normal heart rhythm, alleviating the life-threatening condition and allowing Zhao to transition to the ward for further treatment.

The "capsule pacemaker" is an intelligent device that senses the patient's heart rate and adjusts pacing accordingly to maintain a healthy heart rhythm. It also features an anti-magnetic switch function, enabling patients to undergo MRI scans without interference.

As China's population ages, the prevalence of bradycardia due to age-related changes in the cardiac conduction system is estimated to rise, posing a risk of sudden death. Cardiologists recommend that individuals over 60 undergo annual ECG screenings and seek immediate evaluation for symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, fainting, or unexplained fatigue to ensure early diagnosis and treatment, preventing potential health risks.

Global Times