RIYADH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh has successfully implanted the world’s smallest permanent pacemaker in a newborn weighing only 2 kilograms.
Because of the baby’s extremely small size, the medical team collaborated with the device manufacturer to produce a customized version of the pacemaker, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Monday.
This adaptation allowed the procedure to be performed safely, giving the infant early cardiac stability and a stronger chance for healthy, complication-free growth.
According to the KFSHRC, the case is among fewer than 85 reported worldwide and is registered as the first of its kind in Asia and Africa, underscoring KFSHRC’s expertise in caring for the most delicate pediatric patients and advancing specialized cardiac care.
At less than four weeks old, the infant underwent successful repair of a complex congenital heart defect. After surgery, the medical team detected bradycardia with an atrioventricular conduction disturbance, making it necessary to implant a customized pacemaker to maintain stability and ensure continuous heart function.
The achievement marks a significant step forward in neonatal care. It allows clinicians to reduce hospitalization time and minimize risks associated with traditional approaches, such as infections, temporary device failure, or local inflammation caused by standard pacemakers that are typically too large for newborns.
