UNS – Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Hospital has significantly contributed to the national healthcare sector. On Tuesday (2/7/2025), the Arrhythmia Division medical team at UNS Hospital successfully performed a groundbreaking cardiac procedure. For the first time in Indonesia, a Bluetooth-enabled Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) was implanted in a patient.
The Director of UNS Hospital, Prof. Dr. Pamudji Utomo, dr., Sp.OT(K) also attended the press conference. He expressed his gratitude for the procedure’s success, which marked a significant advancement for healthcare services in Solo Raya. “On July 2nd, we carried out a very monumental procedure for UNS Hospital and also for Indonesia, which was the implantation of a cardiac device in a patient suffering from arrhythmia. We are announcing this achievement to share the news and raise awareness of arrhythmia, especially among the people of Solo Raya,” said Prof. Pamudji on Wednesday (9/7/2025).
The Bluetooth-Enabled ICD Implantation on a Patient
This procedure marked a historic moment in treating heart rhythm disorders in Solo Raya and across Indonesia. An 84-year-old female patient with a medical history of coronary artery disease and degenerative conditions underwent the operation. She had been experiencing recurrent episodes of syncope due to a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmia).
After a series of examinations, the patient was advised to receive an ICD implant as a preventive measure against sudden cardiac arrest. dr. Irnizarifka, Sp.J.P., Subsp.Ar(K), an Electrophysiology and Heart Failure specialist at UNS Hospital, led the procedure.
dr. Irnizarifka reported that the procedure went smoothly without any complications. He explained that the Bluetooth technology featured in this ICD represents one of the latest innovations in the medical field. With this advancement, the patient can now monitor the device’s condition wirelessly via Bluetooth, which connects to an application on the patient’s smartphone. “The ICD we implanted yesterday uses the latest technology. This is the first Bluetooth-enabled ICD implanted in Indonesia,” said dr. Irnizarifka.
Previously, patients who required an ICD implantation had to be referred to hospitals in Jakarta. Now, similar services can be accessed at UNS Hospital, supported by modern facilities and professional medical staff. The Director of UNS Hospital, Prof. Pamudji, regarded this success as a result of interdisciplinary collaboration within the hospital.
What is an ICD?
An ICD is a small medical device implanted under the skin in the upper chest. It keeps track of the heart’s rhythm, provides pacing, and delivers automatic electric shocks when dangerous arrhythmias occur. This device is life-saving for patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest due to irregular heart rhythms.
A Strategic Milestone for Cardiac Care at UNS Hospital
This success marks an essential step in advancing cardiac care at UNS Hospital. The Arrhythmia Division is also committed to continuously improving its services so that patients in Solo Raya and nearby regions can receive the best possible treatment. Moreover, this technology provides wider access for patients in areas with limited advanced medical facilities. Patients no longer need to travel to other cities or abroad for advanced cardiac treatment.
“Medical professionals in Indonesia can now diagnose arrhythmia and are fully prepared to implant ICDs. There are 56 arrhythmia specialists across the country,” added dr. Irnizarifka.
UNS Hospital is committed to providing the Indonesian public with cutting-edge, technology-based healthcare services. The hospital will continue to invest in medical staff training and the procurement of modern medical equipment. UNS Hospital is continuously advancing its knowledge and services to become a national referral center for the treatment of heart rhythm disorders. This achievement also shows UNS’s important role in supporting the progress of national healthcare services.
Humas UNS
