For Richmond local Noel Byles, the symptoms crept in gradually - fatigue, breathlessness, and occasional dizzy spells. But when a sudden fall prompted a visit to his GP, the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation - a heart rhythm disorder - came as a wake-up call. For an active golfer and foundation member of the Richmond Golf Club’s Veterans Golfing group, slowing down wasn’t an option.  

“It’s extremely important for people of my age to get out and do some physical exercise and engage in social interactions, rather than sit at home, so getting back to my daily activities was essential,” said Byles.  

Noel has always been a very keen golfer

Determined to maintain his active lifestyle, Byles sought out Dr. Ajita Kanthan, the first doctor in Australia to offer a next-generation leadless pacemaker. Unlike traditional pacemakers, which require wires (leads) threaded through blood vessels to regulate the heart, this groundbreaking device is smaller than a triple-A battery and implanted directly into the heart through a minimally invasive procedure.  

Byles became the first Australian to receive this innovative pacemaker, which boasts a battery life of up to 25 years - double that of traditional devices. For many patients, this extended lifespan means fewer surgeries and shorter recovery times. 

“When I was faced with this heart issue and Dr Kanthan gave me the option of a leadless pacemaker or traditional, my immediate concern was how soon it would be until I was playing golf again, so I opted for the leadless.”  

Dr. Kanthan said: “The leadless pacemaker reduces infection risks, eliminates the need for wires that can fracture or cause clots, and ensures a shorter recovery time. For most patients, it will be a one-time procedure.”  

Byle’s surgery required only an overnight stay in the hospital, and within two weeks, he was back on the golf course at Richmond Golf Club, where he serves as Vice President and founder of the Veterans Golfing group.  

“The procedure was seamless, and I feel like I have a new lease on life,” said Byles. “It’s improved my quality of life tremendously. I can drive, play golf, and even welcomed my sixth great-grandson recently. It’s moments like these that make me grateful for this technology.”  

Byles daughter, Trisha, was initially concerned about the procedure, but Dr. Kanthan spoke with her about the device's safety and flexibility. Unlike traditional pacemakers, the leadless version can be easily removed or replaced if a patient’s care plan changes.  

“My youngest daughter, Trisha, was more cautious about the leadless pacemaker and had a lot more questions, but Dr Kanthan was fantastic and alleviated all her concerns. With my family’s support, I went ahead with the new leadless pacemaker, and it’s improved the quality of my life.  

“I can drive, I can play golf, and since having the pacemaker implanted, they also picked up another health issue that required further medication which has helped with my recovery,” Byles said.

Following a brief recovery period of around 14 days, Byles returned to his normal activities, most importantly his beloved golf. The pacemaker has also allowed him to continue enjoying time with his family, including his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who share his passion for sport.  

“I am very proud of my grandchildren and their love of sport, continuing my legacy,” Byles said.  

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