Heart op is a world first for Liverpool hospital

May 12 2008 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

A WORLD-FIRST operation to improve the lives of patients with a debilitating heart condition has been performed at a Liverpool hospital.

Barbara Williams, 73, recovered within hours of the procedure at the Cardiothoracic Centre, which saw surgeons place a revolutionary new pacemaker in her chest.

The operation is a coup for the hospital in Broadgreen, as such world firsts are usually performed at specialist centres in the USA or London.

The pacemaker has been designed to treat patients with bradycardia – a condition where the heart beats at an unusually slow rate, usually less than 60 beats per minute. As a result, the body does not get enough oxygen and nutrients to function properly.

The device can detect how much a person is physically exerting themselves more precisely than previous pace makers, meaning it can speed up the patients heart rate more accurately.

This reduces breathlessness and also lengthens battery life, reducing further hospital procedures to replace battery packs.

Consultant cardiologist Mark Hall, who performed the operation, said: “This operation is important for two reasons.

“Firstly, the pacemaker will improve the lives of patients – it is tailored more to each individual and will suit people’s lifestyles better.

“Secondly, it is brilliant for the hospital and for Liverpool. The fact we were asked to perform the operation shows how well respected we are as a specialist centre. We fit 1,000 pacemakers a year and are experts.

“It is great to see a world first in Liverpool, most are carried out in the USA.

“Hopefully more will follow.”

Grandmother-of-four Mrs Williams was able to return to her home in Rixton near Warrington hours after the operation and was happy with how it went.

She said: “Being a world first is quite exciting and the operation has gone very well.

“Dr Hall talked the whole thing through with me before hand so I knew what was going to happen.

“My family were very pleased to hear I had been put forward for the operation and my grandchildren will be asking lots of questions I am sure.

“They think I am going to be ticking.

“My husband was a little nervous but he is happy now it has finished and all is well.

“I am looking forward to the benefits the pacemaker will give me now. It is amazing really.”

lizawilliams