Bryan Health uses new pacemaker method to treat former Lincoln Saltdogs coach

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Bryan Health in Lincoln is using new pacemaker technology in cardiology treatments.

And it’s been a home run for former Lincoln Saltdogs coach Jim Haller, who had a pacemaker implanted two weeks ago.

Haller, 72, spent most of his life as an athlete but hasn’t felt like himself for years.

He suffered from several symptoms, including heart flutter and shortness of breath.

“I knew I was in trouble, but I kept denying it,” he said.

Doctors eventually decided that a pacemaker was needed due to Haller’s low heart rate.

Dr. Grant Wallace, a cardiac electrophysiologist at Bryan, performed a left bundle branch pacemaker placement.

Bryan Health said the method, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in October 2022, allows for a more natural activation of the heart muscle.

Within an hour of the procedure, Haller said he felt normal again.

“From the time I came out of that procedure until I started feeling better, it was minutes,” he said.  “It wasn’t days; it was minutes.”

Haller said he’s looking forward to going on walks and spending time with his grandchildren.