Coventry hospital carries out first-of-its-kind heart procedure

A 33-year-old man who survived a cardiac arrest has become the first patient at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust to receive a new type of defibrillator.

Cameron Mair was driving his work van in Stratford-upon-Avon when he became unwell. A passer-by helped him from the vehicle and began CPR, while a nearby defibrillator was used before Cameron was taken to University Hospital.

Cameron has a genetic heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can cause dangerous heart rhythms.

He has now been fitted with an extravascular implantable cardioverter defibrillator, known as an EV-ICD. The device can detect potentially life-threatening heart rhythms and deliver treatment when needed.

Unlike traditional defibrillators, its wire sits underneath the breastbone rather than travelling through the veins and into the heart. This leaves the heart and blood vessels untouched and could reduce the risk of complications for younger patients who may need the device for many years.

The EV-ICD can also deliver anti-tachycardia pacing, using small electrical signals to try to correct a fast heart rhythm before a shock is required.

Consultant Cardiologist Dr Ven Lim said: “EV-ICD is still a relatively new technology and only a few centres in the UK provide this service. We are proud UHCW can now offer it to selected patients."

For Cameron, the procedure has brought reassurance after a frightening few weeks.

Cameron said: "I was a little bit nervous being the first one in the hospital, but it was exciting.

“Dr Lim talked me through the whole process and told me as much as he could about the device, I couldn’t ask for a better team that’s looked after me.

"It’s been a lot to take in, but it’s all been worth it. Hopefully I can get back to a normal life.”