Recipient of Reid’s first leadless pacemaker procedure: ‘I was amazed at how well I felt’

In the days following a minor heart procedure, Don Isaac felt "terribly fatigued." A monitor he was wearing would later reveal why.

His heart had stopped for a few seconds multiple times.

"I didn't even know," Isaac said. "That bothered me."

The 83-year-old resident of Liberty, Indiana, was no stranger to health issues. He had suffered a series of strokes years ago that led to him being put on blood-thinning medication.

Isaac had a Watchman device inserted into his heart so he could stop taking the blood thinners. It was after that procedure he felt tired, and the heart monitor provided the reason why.

Reid Health Cardiologist Xinqiang Han, MD, had performed the Watchman procedure on Isaac and now recommended another device to correct Isaac's new heart concern -- a leadless pacemaker.

"Dr. Han put my Watchman in, and I was very confident in him," Isaac said. "I said, 'Let's go for it.' I was really eager to get it done. I was excited."

"As soon as I got home, I got in the car and drove to Connersville to do some business. I felt great that day. I was amazed at how well I felt. I wasn't nearly as fatigued the next few weeks. I didn't need to take naps as often, and I wanted to be more active. I still feel that way." -- Don Isaac

Isaac's condition was such that he wasn't a candidate for a normal pacemaker. Instead, he was to be the first Reid patient to receive a leadless device. Unlike a traditional pacemaker, the leadless variety doesn't have wires or need to be placed under the skin.

"The leadless pacemaker offers patients who weren't candidates for traditional pacers the ability to still get the therapy," said Tyler Evans, Cardiovascular Service Line Director for Reid Health.

"These patients were either left relying on maximized medications that weren't effective or having to leave the service area for treatment. Now they can get the latest treatment option right here close to home."

Isaac's recovery was quick. He was released from the hospital the day after his procedure and immediately went back to his normal routine.

"As soon as I got home, I got in the car and drove to Connersville to do some business. I felt great that day. I was amazed at how well I felt," he said.

"I wasn't nearly as fatigued the next few weeks. I didn't need to take naps as often, and I wanted to be more active. I still feel that way."

If you're having heart issues and would like to see a provider, contact the Reid Health Heart & Vascular Center at (765) 962-1337.