LRH undertakes first pacemaker surgery

Latrobe Regional Health has significantly enhanced cardiac care for Gippslanders by performing its first-ever pacemaker implant surgery.

LRH electrophysiology cardiologist Dr David Chieng said the procedure went smoothly and safely.

“This is a huge step forward. It means patients can stay local, recover faster, and still receive the same high-quality care they’d get in a metropolitan hospital,” Dr Chieng said.

“It’s both exciting and humbling to be part of something that makes such a big difference to our community.”

Patients needing a pacemaker previously had to travel to Melbourne, but now people in communities such as Bairnsdale, Sale, or Traralgon can get life-saving care closer to home.

LRH Director of Cardiology Derk Pol said having the procedure done locally meant, shorter travel times, more familiar environments for patients, and continuity of care with the same cardiologist.

“We’re starting with pacemaker surgeries once a month and aiming to increase to weekly procedures within 12 to 18 months,” Dr Pol said.

“And if patients are able to have that done here, they’ll be able to go home that night or the following morning instead of having to travel hours and hours to Melbourne.

The pacemaker surgery was made possible with the recent opening of a second cardiac catheterisation lab (cath lab) at LRH.

The new state-of-the-art system features AI-enhanced imaging and reduces radiation exposure improving safety for both patients and staff.

LRH is planning to expand its cardiac services now that the second cath lab is operational, which includes a 24/7 STEMI (heart attack) service by 2026 and more specialists.