VCS Welcomes Dr. Basyal, First to Perform Abbott AVEIR TM Leadless Pacemaker at St. Mary’s
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Richmond, VA (October 1, 2025)–Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists (VCS), Central Virginia’s largest independent cardiovascular practice, proudly announces that Dr. Binaya Basyal has joined its team of expert physicians. Dr. Basyal has already achieved a remarkable milestone at St. Mary’s Hospital, where he performed the facility’s first implant of the Abbott AVEIR™ leadless pacemaker—the world’s first-of-its-kind leadless pacemaker system. This accomplishment highlights both his expertise and the strong collaboration between VCS and its hospital partners.
The procedure was performed on September 19, 2025, on a 91-year-old dialysis patient, where preserving veins and minimizing risk are especially important at an advanced age. Traditional pacemakers require wires, are more invasive, and can increase the chance of infection while limiting arm movement for weeks after the procedure. By contrast, the AVEIR™ leadless pacemaker is about the size of a AAA battery and is implanted directly into the heart without the need for open-chest surgery or wires, offering a safer, less invasive alternative with quicker recovery and fewer complications.
Nearly 80% of people who receive a pacemaker need a dual chamber option to pace both chambers of the heart. Through first-of-its-kind i2i™ (implant to implant) technology, AVEIR™ DR solves a significant engineering challenge by offering beat-to-beat communication between the two leadless pacemakers in both chambers of the heart. Approved by the FDA in June 2023, Abbott’s AVEIR™ DR is an engineering marvel, providing an innovative option to treat people with slow or irregular heart rhythms.
“The AVEIR™ system gives us another important treatment option for VCS patients and the community,” said Dr. Binaya Basyal. “Being able to offer safer, less invasive therapies—especially for older patients or those with additional health challenges—is an exciting step forward.”
Dr. Basyal joins fellow VCS electrophysiologists who have also pioneered the launch of this groundbreaking system in the region. Notably, Dr. Vivak Master was the first physician in Richmond to perform an AVEIR™ implant, completing the milestone at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital in 2023. In April 2025, Dr. Alex Baher performed the first AVEIR™ implant at Memorial Regional Medical Center. Together, these achievements underscore VCS’s leadership in advancing innovative therapies.
These AVEIR™ implant procedures exemplify the invaluable partnership between VCS and regional hospital teams. Working side by side with hospital staff, leadership, and multidisciplinary teams, VCS continues to push boundaries in patient care and improve patient outcomes throughout Central Virginia.
Dr. Basyal is a board-certified cardiologist with a focus on electrophysiology. He earned his medical degree from Manipal College of Medical Sciences and pursued his fellowship training in cardiovascular medicine at Medstar Georgetown Hospital Center, Washington, D.C. His clinical interests include comprehensive care of heart rhythm disorders, including pacemaker, ICD implant, and catheter ablation. He is a member of the Heart Rhythm Society and the American College of Cardiology. Dr. Basyal is committed to advancing patient care through innovation, evidence-based practice, and compassionate treatment.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Basyal to VCS,” said Dr. Dean E. Caven, President of VCS. “His skill, dedication, and early achievement here in Richmond highlight not only his talent, but also the ongoing legacy of innovation that defines VCS. We are proud to continue bringing ‘firsts’ in cardiovascular care to our community.”
This milestone adds to a long list of “firsts” in cardiovascular care led by VCS, including:
- First TAVR procedure in Greater Richmond (2012)
- First Cardiac PET CT in the region (2017)
- First freestanding Cardiac Cath Lab (2024)
- First Cardiovascular Ambulatory Surgery Center (2023)
Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists has a long history of innovation and leadership in cardiovascular care, including pioneering techniques, technologies, and clinical research. With the addition of Dr. Basyal, VCS is proud to carry forward its mission of providing advanced, personalized care to patients across the region.
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About Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists
Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists (VCS) is Central Virginia’s largest independent cardiology practice, with 39 board-certified cardiologists serving patients across 10 locations in the Greater Richmond area. For more than 45 years, VCS has been a trusted leader in preventing, diagnosing, and treating cardiovascular disease. As pioneers in structural heart care and minimally invasive procedures, VCS continues to bring the latest advancements in cardiovascular medicine to the communities it serves. With a commitment to personalized care, clinical excellence, and innovation, VCS empowers patients to live longer, healthier lives. Visit our website www.vacardio.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Yeager
Director of Marketing
Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists
Direct: 804-521-5827
Published October 1, 2025