Ramsay Newsroom

Cardiologist Dr Muayad Alasady leads the program and was the first in the Southern Hemisphere to implant the AVEIR dual-chamber leadless pacemaker system at National Capital Private Hospital. The system uses two tiny devices, one in the heart’s upper right chamber (the right atrium) and one in its lower right chamber (the right ventricle). The devices communicate wirelessly to keep the two chambers beating in sync.

Before Dr Alasady established the AVEIR program in June 2024, ACT patients who needed this type of leadless pacemaker had to travel to Sydney. Ramsay Private Hospital National Capital is now the only hospital in Canberra to offer the AVEIR system.

“For suitable patients, fitting the pacemaker through a vein in the leg may mean a quicker recovery. Because the device sits entirely inside the heart, it can also avoid complications linked to pacing wires and the pocket under the skin where a conventional pacemaker sits,” Dr Alasady said.

“Leadless pacemakers may also offer a significantly reduced risk of infection compared with conventional pacemakers, making them particularly beneficial for patients who are at higher risk of infection.”

“Having the procedure available in Canberra  means patients can have their pacemaker fitted and come back to the same team for their follow-up checks.”

Among the patients treated was 45-year-old Canberra school teacher Stewart Crowley, who had fainted and experienced several dizzy spells in the months before receiving his AVEIR pacemaker in July. In a fortunate twist of fate, he was at the hospital when his heart monitor recorded a 30-second pause in his heartbeat.

“I know just how lucky I am. Had I been anywhere other than the hospital, I might not be here today,” Mr Crowley said.

“I’m incredibly grateful to the medical teams who’ve looked after me. I hope my story encourages others to take their heart health seriously, recognise the warning signs early and know that you can still live a happy, full life with a heart condition.”

Dr Alasady said the first step was to understand what was causing a patient’s symptoms before recommending a device.

“Leadless pacing gives us another option for selected patients who need a pacemaker,” Dr Alasady said. 

“We look at each patient’s heart rhythm and individual needs to decide which type of pacemaker is right for them.”

Ramsay Private Hospital National Capital CEO Elizabeth Porritt said more than a third of patients treated through the program in 2026 came from regional New South Wales, with some travelling more than 150 kilometres for treatment.

“We’re seeing patients from communities including Yass, Bungendore and Batemans Bay,” Ms Porritt said. 

“Ramsay Health Care is proud to support the service Dr Alasady and the hospital team have built, giving patients across the region access to specialist heart care in Canberra.”