For Mikey, surfing has always been more than just a sport—it’s his identity, his passion, and his connection to the world. Born into a family of surfers, the ocean shaped every aspect of his life, from where he lived to the relationships he formed. But at just 19 years old, Mikey’s promising career as a professional surfer came to a halt when he began experiencing debilitating symptoms: severe exhaustion after surfing, fainting spells, and, ultimately, a diagnosis that led to his first pacemaker.
Over the years, Mikey endured eight pacemaker surgeries, each more grueling than the last. By his third implant, the toll on his body became unbearable. “I ripped through my chest muscle,” he recalled. Surfing—a source of joy—became a painful reminder of his condition, with every paddle reinforcing the presence of a bulky pacemaker and leads beneath his skin. The wear and tear, coupled with partial paralysis in his arm, forced Mikey to step away from the waves he loved.
That all changed when he discovered the AVEIR™ DR Dual Chamber Leadless Pacemaker System. After sharing his history with his cardiologist, Mikey was introduced to this revolutionary technology. Unlike traditional pacemakers that are implanted in the upper chest with wires running down to the heart, the AVEIR™ DR LP system is comprised of 2 small pacemakers that sit in the heart and don’t require a chest pocket and wires, addressing the very complications that had plagued him for years.
“The AVEIR DR LP System absolutely changed my life,” Mikey said. The absence of leads and chest hardware meant no more scar tissue, no more pain, and no more limitations. With a minimally invasive procedure, Mikey regained not just his health but his confidence to return to the water.
The ultimate test came when Mikey threw his surfboard back into the ocean. Nervous but determined, he paddled out, half expecting the pain and numbness to return. But they didn’t. “No restrictions, no pain, no tingling. It just fixed everything.”
Now, Mikey is back doing what he loves most, embracing life without the physical and emotional barriers that once held him back. “The AVEIR DR gave me my life back. I’m forever grateful that it exists.”
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