Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health performed the first ever pacemaker implantation with Elutia’s EluPro® BioEnvelope on Sept. 5. EluPro, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved device, is the first antibiotic-eluting device designed to prevent post-operative complications for Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs) such as pacemakers and defibrillators.
“We are proud to be the first to perform a pacemaker implantation with the EluPro BioEnvelope, which is a testament to the work our cardiovascular teams do every day to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina,” said Jay Briley, president, ECU Health Medical Center. “Being the first to perform this groundbreaking procedure with the EluPro BioEnvelope underscores our commitment to bringing cutting-edge solutions directly to the communities we serve. Our patients can access the highest level of care without the need to travel long distances, ensuring that advanced cardiovascular treatments are available right here in eastern North Carolina.”
For high-risk patients, including those with underlying health conditions or advanced age, traditional pacemakers carry a risk of complications such as infection, migration and skin erosion, affecting five to seven percent of patients nationwide, according to the FDA. These issues arise when the body’s immune system treats the device as a foreign object, leading to inflammation, device movement, and, in some cases, serious infections. The EluPro BioEnvelope offers an innovative solution for high-risk patients by combining antibiotic therapy with advanced tissue engineering.
“Eastern North Carolina faces high rates of chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and hypertension, making access to advanced cardiovascular care crucial for our community,” said Dr. John Catanzaro, John “Jack” Rose distinguished professor and chief of the Division of Cardiology at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and director of the East Carolina Heart Institute at ECU Health Medical Center. “Patients with co-morbidities are at higher risk for infection after procedures like pacemaker implantations, and this new technology is a significant step forward in addressing these challenges, as it not only improves patient outcomes but also helps prevent complications that can arise from traditional procedures. I am grateful to the team that helps bring innovations like the EluPro BioEnvelope to our region, demonstrating our commitment to reducing health disparities and ensuring our patients receive the best care possible.”
ECU Health team members that were part of the new procedure include: John Catanzaro, MD, MBA, Jan Lopes, MD, Mark Dixon, RN, David Rouse, cardiovascular technologist, and Tracy Fulcher, cardiovascular technologist. As the academic health system for eastern North Carolina, ECU Health and the Brody School of Medicine perform nearly 1,000 pacemaker implantations per year and ensure patients benefit from the latest medical innovations without having to travel far from home. This integration of academic expertise and clinical care not only enhances patient outcomes but also serves as a vital resource for training the next generation of health care professionals. ECU Health’s commitment to leading the way in advanced cardiovascular treatments demonstrates our ongoing mission to address rural health disparities and improve the well-being of the communities we serve.