PIKEVILLE, KY (MAR 5, 2026) – Joseph Souza, MD, a cardiac electrophysiologist at Pikeville Medical Center, successfully performed Eastern Kentucky’s first implantation of the innovative Medtronic OmniaSecure; the world’s smallest defibrillator lead designed to treat dangerous heart rhythm disorders.
Measuring just under 1.6 millimeters in diameter, this groundbreaking technology provides a less invasive approach to restoring a patient’s natural heart rhythm. The OmniaSecure lead is currently the smallest and thinnest implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) lead available, representing a significant advancement in cardiac rhythm management. The milestone procedure highlights another step forward for the Heart and Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky at Pikeville Medical Center as it continues to expand access to leading-edge cardiovascular care across the region.
“At Pikeville Medical Center, we believe our patients deserve access to the most advanced care available, without having to leave the mountains they call home,” said Donovan Blackburn, President and CEO of Pikeville Medical Center. “For more than 100 years, we have been committed to bringing innovative medical technology to Eastern Kentucky, and this milestone procedure by Dr. Souza and his team is another example of that promise in action.”
The OmniaSecure lead is implanted using a minimally invasive catheter-based technique that allows physicians to precisely place the device within the heart. Once connected to an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) generator, the lead continuously monitors the patient’s heart rhythm and can deliver pacing or life-saving electrical therapy if a dangerous arrhythmia occurs.
“This device’s extremely small size, combined with the catheter-based delivery method we use, helps reduce the risk of complications while providing powerful protection against dangerous heart rhythms,” explained Dr. Souza. “I am extremely proud to say we are using the smallest device of its kind on the market and are the first hospital in this part of the state to offer it to our patients.”
Heart rhythm disorders, also known as arrhythmias, occur when the electrical signals that coordinate the heartbeat do not function properly. This can cause the heart to beat too quickly, too slowly or irregularly, potentially leading to serious complications, including cardiac arrest. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators play a critical role in monitoring these conditions and delivering immediate therapy when needed.
The successful implantation further highlights Pikeville Medical Center’s ongoing commitment to bringing innovative cardiovascular treatments to Eastern Kentucky, expanding access to advanced care close to home without the need to travel outside the region.
About Pikeville Medical Center
Pikeville Medical Center is a 348-licensed-bed regional referral center and Kentucky’s only level II trauma center. PMC offers over 400 services, including most major specialties and many subspecialties and features the region’s most advanced medical technology. PMC employs over 3,700 people and has over 600 credentialed healthcare providers.
PMC’s mission is to advance the health and well-being of our region through comprehensive care in a Christian environment.