Shots:
- Abbott’s AVEIR DR is the first in the world dual-chamber leadless pacemaker
- Jerry Kelleher, a clinical trial participant in the AVEIR DR study, shares his transformative journey with PharmaShots
- Explore Jerry’s miraculous recovery with AVEIR DR, which helped enhance his quality of life
Saurabh: Jerry, can you take us back to life and describe your health and activity level before receiving the AVEIR DR?
Jerry: I’ve been an athlete my entire life and even played on the US Rugby team in the 70’s. My resting heart rate was 46 beats per minute, but dropped down to 38 beats per minute. I constantly felt fatigued and lacked the motivation to enjoy activities I love, such as golf and pickleball. Because of this, I could only participate in these activities once or twice a month, which impacted my quality of life since I cherish being active.
Saurabh: You’re back to golfing, playing pickleball, and even lifting weights! How did it feel the first time you realized you could get back to those activities?
Jerry: I participated in the AVEIR DR IDE clinical trial, and after receiving the implant, I immediately had more energy. This experience improved my outlook on life again, and my wife even remarked, “Welcome back.” I was able to quickly return to my normal active lifestyle, including Peloton rides three times week and walking two miles, five times a week. The renewed energy reminded me of who I was five years ago, and I was able to enjoy life again.
Saurabh: Every journey has its ups and downs. Did you encounter any unexpected challenges after the implant, and how did you overcome them?
Jerry: Honestly, I didn’t have any challenges after receiving Abbott’s AVEIR DR leadless pacemaker. I recommend that people consider AVEIR DR because of all the benefits, shorter recovery, and no setbacks, medically or physically. I could return to my life with a new sense of energy.
Saurabh: The AVEIR DR is a leadless pacemaker, which is pretty cutting-edge. How does the leadless design compare to what you know about traditional pacemakers?
Jerry: Based on my experience, many of my parents’ friends have traditional pacemakers, which can you visibly see the scar and device bugle. That’s why I appreciate having a dual chamber leadless pacemaker; it remains out of sight. A close friend’s father had a problem with a wire (lead) that came loose, requiring invasive surgery to repair. Since the AVEIR DR, is a leadless pacemaker, I don’t have to worry about leads breaking or fracturing. Because there is no device bulge on the chest, it’s easy to forget I have a pacemaker.
Saurabh: For others who might be on the fence about trying a new device like this, what would you say to reassure them or share your own experience?
Jerry: I recommend for others to be open to trying new technology because for me, AVEIR DR gave me back my active lifestyle. It’s like being in the dark and then flipping a light switch. As soon as you turn on the switch, the room lights up, and that’s exactly how this new technology works.
Saurabh: How has your ongoing follow-up and interaction with your healthcare team been since receiving the AVEIR DR?
Jerry: Since receiving AVEIR DR, my follow-up and interactions with my healthcare team has been incredibly positive. Before this device, I was having an ablation every 2 to 5 years with five total ablations over the last two decades. But now, three years post-procedure – I feel great. As a former rugby player, I’d encourage other athletes to look into this option. The AVEIR DR has been a game changer and it’s important for people to educate themselves on the technology that exists to find the right solution for your lifestyle.
About the Author:
Jerry Kelleher
Jerry Kelleher and his wife of 40 years have two children and live in Newport Beach, California. He is a partner at EDI Express, a trucking and freight services company. Jerry graduated from St. Mary’s College of California in 1974 and was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in football, rugby, and rowing. From 1977 to 1979, Jerry was a member of the U.S. Rugby Team and participated in the 1979 World Invitation XV in South Africa. He continues to enjoy an active lifestyle playing golf and pickleball, and riding his Peloton indoor bicycle.
