6 Patients benefit from innovation at BH cath labs Younger patients are among those benefitting from innovative technology now available at BH’s cath labs. The EMBLEM MRI S-ICD system – a type of defibrillator which sits underneath the skin on the patient’s hand side, but completely outside the heart, – is now available at BH for patients in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. Designed to protect patients who have dangerous heart rhythm disturbances from sudden cardiac arrest, it offers a less invasive treatment (there are no components inside the heart) than other devices, with less risk of complications. It works by providing an electric current to shock the heart back into a regular beat if needed. Cheryl Ralph, senior chief cardiac physiologist, said: “With our refurbished cath labs and general anaesthetic capability, we can now offer more complex procedures which is brilliant news for patients who can be treated in a more timely way.” Karen Holz, 40, from Hendon, had her defibrillator fitted in July. She said: “I’ve known I had an arrhythmia since I was nine years old but last year I was diagnosed with heart failure. I had all the tests and then I was back to Barnet Hospital as a day case to have the device implanted. “The staff were amazing and the defibrillator has given me peace of mind. It feels like I have someone with me 24/7 taking care of me. I have a 12-year-old son so it’s very reassuring for me and my family.” It feels like I have someone with me 24/7 taking care of me “ “ Members of the cath lab team Karen Holz In addition, conduction system pacing – a novel way of pacing the heart which mimics the heart’s own electrical system – is now being offered to some patients at BH as part of an international clinical trial. Dr Daniel Keene, consultant cardiologist and electrophysiologist and chief investigator of the trial, said: “We hope the seven-year study, which began last year and is funded by the British Heart Foundation, will show us that this new approach definitively delivers better outcomes for patients.” The team are also due to begin offering atrial fibrillation ablation from the middle of October. This procedure freezes heart cells to cause targeted scarring on the inside of the heart. This helps break up the electrical signals that cause irregular heartbeats, making it easier to help the heart to maintain a normal rhythm. Average waiting times for the procedure in London are currently around 12 months but bringing the service to BH will help to reduce this. Daniel added: “As our electrophysiology services grow the team are excited to be part of these initiatives to deliver better care and ultimately improve outcomes for patients. It also helps us to retain staff and attract the best people to come and work with us.” Cardiovascular
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