A/Prof Saurabh Kumar

Cardiologist & Electrophysiologist
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Cardiac Device Implantation & Management

Restoring and safeguarding heart rhythm with advanced pacing and monitoring solutions

For patients with slow, irregular, or potentially dangerous heart rhythms, implantable cardiac devices provide life-saving support. These devices can restore normal heart rate, prevent sudden cardiac death, improve heart function, and offer long-term rhythm monitoring—often transforming both quality of life and clinical outcomes.

At his Sydney practice, A/Prof Saurabh Kumar offers comprehensive services in the implantation and management of cardiac devices. As a Cardiologist and Interventional Electrophysiologist with over 15+ years of experience, he has performed hundreds of device procedures and provides expert follow-up care across all device types.

When Are Cardiac Devices Used?

Cardiac devices are typically recommended in cases of:

  • Bradycardia – an abnormally slow heart rate causing fatigue, dizziness, or syncope
  • Atrioventricular (AV) block – where electrical signals between the heart’s chambers are delayed or blocked
  • Heart failure with conduction abnormalities – where the ventricles contract out of sync
  • Life-threatening arrhythmias – such as ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF)
  • Unexplained fainting or palpitations – requiring long-term rhythm monitoring

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death nationally, with many events linked to rhythm disturbances. Timely implantation of the right device can significantly reduce risk and improve outcomes.

Types of Cardiac Devices

A/Prof Kumar offers a full range of cardiac devices, individually selected to match the clinical needs and lifestyle of each patient.
Used to treat bradycardia or heart block, pacemakers regulate the heart’s rhythm by delivering small electrical impulses when the natural heartbeat is too slow or fails to initiate. Modern devices are compact, reliable, and often barely noticeable after healing.
ICDs continuously monitor the heart and deliver a therapeutic shock or rapid pacing if a life-threatening arrhythmia, such as VT or VF, occurs. ICDs are commonly used in patients with heart muscle weakness or a previous cardiac arrest. They provide peace of mind and proven protection against sudden cardiac death
CRT is a specialised device for patients with heart failure and electrical dyssynchrony, typically characterised by left bundle branch block. By coordinating the contraction of the left and right ventricles, CRT can improve cardiac output, reduce symptoms, and help patients stay out of hospital.

These miniature devices are implanted directly into the heart without leads or surgical pockets. Leadless pacemakers are ideal for selected patients, particularly those at risk of infection or with limited venous access. Their low profile and long battery life make them an attractive option in appropriately selected cases.

Unlike traditional ICDs, subcutaneous devices do not require wires inside the heart. Instead, the leads are placed under the skin, making this device particularly suitable for younger patients or those with complex anatomy, congenital heart disease, or prior infections. They offer the same protective benefit without transvenous access.
ILRs are small, injectable monitors used to capture heart rhythm data over extended periods—often months or even years. They are recommended in patients with unexplained syncope, intermittent arrhythmias, or stroke of uncertain cause, and provide continuous rhythm tracking when other tests have failed to capture the issue.

Services Offered

A/Prof Kumar provides a complete range of cardiac device services, from initial evaluation through to ongoing monitoring and optimisation:
All device implants are performed in a sterile, hospital-based catheter laboratory using minimally invasive techniques. Patients typically receive light sedation or local anaesthesia. Most return home within 24 hours, with clear post-procedure instructions and support.

Devices have a finite battery life—usually 5 to 10 years—after which generator replacement is needed. A/Prof Kumar also manages lead complications, such as fractures or dislodgements, and performs lead revisions when necessary to maintain safe and effective pacing or defibrillation.

Many modern cardiac devices feature remote monitoring capabilities, allowing secure transmission of device data from the patient’s home. This enables earlier detection of issues, reduces clinic visits, and provides peace of mind. In-clinic checks are still recommended periodically for comprehensive assessment and reprogramming when needed.

If symptoms persist or alerts are triggered, A/Prof Kumar performs in-depth troubleshooting using device interrogation tools. Adjustments to pacing thresholds, lead configurations, or arrhythmia detection settings can often resolve problems and extend device longevity.

A Long-Term Commitment to Cardiac Care

Implanting a cardiac device is only the beginning of a patient’s journey. Regular follow-up is essential to ensure the device continues to function optimally, adapt to the patient’s needs, and respond to changing clinical circumstances. A/Prof Kumar works in close partnership with referring GPs, heart failure specialists, and electrophysiology teams to provide coordinated, long-term care.
His access to cutting-edge device technology through his role at Westmead Hospital ensures patients benefit from the latest innovations—whether that’s wireless pacing, leadless technology, or remote alert monitoring.

Take Control of Your Heart Health Today.

A/Prof Saurabh Kumar brings over 15+ years of clinical expertise to the care of patients with heart rhythm disorders and general cardiac conditions. He is widely regarded within the Australian cardiology community and internationally for his depth of knowledge, collaborative style, and commitment to patient-centred care.

He holds dual roles as a Staff Specialist Cardiologist and Cardiac Electrophysiologist at Westmead Hospital and Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Sydney. He currently serves as the Program Director for Ventricular Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death at Westmead Hospital and is the Translational Electrophysiology Lead at the Westmead Applied Research Centre, University of Sydney.

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