Quad Cities’ First Leadless Pacemaker Procedure Performed at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Heart Center

UnityPoint Health is proud to announce that the Quad Cities’ first leadless pacemaker, which helps regulate the heartbeat without the use of wires, was performed at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Heart Center in July 2025 by Helbert Acosta, MD, Cardiovascular Medicine, PLLC.

“Trinity Heart Center continues to set the standard for exceptional heart care in the Quad Cities, and we’re honored that patients trust us with their heart health,” says Kathy Pulley, director of cardiology services at Trinity Heart Center. “Our goal is to help patients feel at ease both emotionally and physically so they can return to doing what they love most.”

A pacemaker is a small, implantable device that delivers electrical impulses to the heart to maintain a stable heart rhythm. Traditional pacemakers require a separate battery under the skin and leads, or wires, that connect to the heart. A leadless pacemaker, however, regulates the heartbeat without the need for wires. It’s placed in the heart's lower right chamber.

"The leadless pacemaker is implanted through a small puncture, often in the groin, making the procedure minimally invasive,” says Dr. Acosta. “Patients typically experience quicker recovery times, fewer restrictions after surgery and an overall reduced risk of complications. Because there are no leads, we also see lower infection rates and improved long-term outcomes.”

As a nationally recognized leader in heart care, Trinity Heart Center is committed to bringing the latest, most effective heart technologies to the Quad Cities region.

“We’re proud to lead the way in offering advanced heart care,” adds Pulley. “Patients can count on the team at Trinity Heart Center for compassionate, high-quality care close to home, without having to travel far.”

To learn whether this procedure might be right for you, speak with your doctor. For more information about heart care services visit Trinity Heart Center.