“Surgical services team members at HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital join Dr. Shakoor Arain following the hospital’s first successful leadless pacemaker procedure”
June 29, 2026 – HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital has successfully completed its first-ever leadless pacemaker procedure, marking a significant milestone in the hospital’s expansion of advanced cardiovascular services and its commitment to bringing specialized care closer to home.
The procedure was performed by cardiologist Dr. Shakoor Arain in collaboration with the hospital’s surgical services team after extensive planning, training and coordination. The addition of this advanced procedure reflects the hospital’s strategy to expand specialty care so more patients can receive treatment locally rather than traveling outside Okeechobee County.
“Since joining HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital in March, one of my priorities has been expanding the services we provide so our community has greater access to advanced healthcare close to home,” said Alex Masmela, chief executive officer of HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital. “This achievement reflects the dedication and collaboration of our physicians, nurses and clinical colleagues who have embraced that vision. Offering advanced procedures like this means more patients can receive high-quality cardiovascular care at Raulerson, surrounded by their families and support systems.”
Unlike traditional pacemakers, which require leads (wires) and a surgical pocket under the skin of the chest, a leadless pacemaker is a small device implanted directly into the heart through a minimally invasive catheter procedure performed through a vein in the leg. Without leads or chest incisions, many patients experience fewer complications, a lower risk of infection and a quicker recovery.
Leadless pacemakers are designed for certain patients who need help regulating their heart rhythm. By eliminating the leads used in conventional pacemakers, the technology can improve patient comfort while reducing some of the risks associated with traditional systems.
Within HCA Healthcare, innovation begins by listening. Insights from approximately 47 million patient encounters each year, combined with data from approximately 190 hospitals and 2,500 sites of care, help clinicians make safer, more effective decisions at the bedside. At HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital, that commitment is reflected in the continued expansion of procedures, technologies and services available locally.
The addition of leadless pacemaker technology is another example of HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital’s investment in advanced services under Masmela’s leadership. As the hospital continues expanding its clinical capabilities, patients can expect greater access to specialized care in Okeechobee County.
About HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital
Serving Okeechobee County since 1979, HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital is a 100-bed full-service acute care hospital. Specializing in emergency services, minimally-invasive surgery, hip and knee replacement, urology, gastroenterology services, mammography services and occupational, physical and speech therapy, we provide high-quality patient care to Okeechobee residents and the surrounding communities. We hold the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Primary Stroke Center Certification and Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award for nine years in a row (2026-2018). Within minutes of FL-710, the hospital’s 24-hour emergency room provides specialized hospital services for adults and children of all ages.
About HCA Florida Healthcare
HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is one of Florida’s leading healthcare networks. Its 11,200 physicians and 80,000 colleagues work together to deliver evidence-based, collaborative care through nearly 12.8 million patient encounters annually. With more than 670 connected care sites—including hospitals, physician practices, urgent care centers and freestanding emergency rooms—across the state, HCA Florida Healthcare helps expand access to the specialized care patients need. HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals are annually recognized for excellence in patient experience and clinical outcomes, including three facilities ranked in the top 2% nationally for overall clinical excellence. A leader in healthcare education, HCA Florida Healthcare supports the next generation of healthcare workers through its 153 graduate medical education programs across 29 hospitals. In 2025, the network provided more than $1.1 billion in uncompensated care and contributed more than $3.5 million to community organizations across the state. Visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.