New Pacemaker Technology Gets Former Coach Back in Rhythm
Jim Haller, a former Lincoln Saltdogs assistant coach is back in rhythm with the help of new pacemaker technology at Bryan Heart.
Haller, an Omahan, was a standout right-handed pitcher for Creighton Prep High School and the ninth overall selection by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1970 Major League Baseball draft. He spent six years in the minor leagues, playing multiple seasons at the Triple-A level.
When his playing career ended, Haller returned to Nebraska and went into private business. However, his desire to be involved in the game never left. In mid 2000, he joined the Lincoln Saltdogs and spent four seasons with the club as an assistant coach, pitching coach and interim manager. The native Nebraskan was set to rejoin the team in 2016, but stepped down because of medical reasons.
Heart Symptoms Begin
Recently, the 72-year-old experienced significant symptoms, including heart flutter, shortness of breath and heavy legs. In January, he visited Bryan Heart and was placed on a two-week monitor. Results showed he had significant heart rhythm issues and needed urgent pacemaker intervention.
A pacemaker is a small, battery-operated device that helps the heart beat in a regular rhythm. It typically has three main parts: a generator, leads (wires) and electrodes (sensors). Dr. Grant Wallace, a cardiac electrophysiologist at Bryan Heart, put a new twist on pacemaking technology to treat Haller, with a Left Bundle Branch pacemaker placement. In this minimally invasive procedure, the generator is placed under the skin by the collarbone and a lead is advanced through a vein into the left bundle branch of the heart.
The Left Bundle Branch placement method was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2022. Using the left branch of the heart for conduction allows for a more natural activation of the heart muscle, which helps maintain healthy function over time. The team at Bryan Heart has used the Left Bundle Branch method since May 2023.
Near Immediate Improvement
Almost immediately, Haller saw improvement, saying he felt a renewed boost of energy only hours after his procedure. The former standout athlete is now excited for the future and has a renewed sense of vitality. Two days before his procedure, he struggled to clear his driveway with a snow blower, feeling like he could actually die. Now, he’s making plans to play golf this spring, something he hasn’t been able to do for several years. Haller is grateful for his care and new lease on life.
The electrophysiology team at Bryan Heart is committed to treating heart rhythm disorders and restoring quality of life for patients. In 2023, the team added two new physicians and opened its third dedicated lab for rhythm procedures. Bryan is the only facility in Nebraska to achieve accreditation from the American College of Cardiology in both cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology labs. The designation certifies safe, efficient and effective care by using evidence-based practice during, before and after procedures.
