First new technological defibrillator and pacemaker in South East fitted

Lorraine Danes from Ringmer is the first in South East to be fitted with the latest combined defibrillator and pacemaker. This newer type of device has four wires to improve the function of the heart and is part of a European wide clinical trial.

The device monitors the patient’s heart beat and can shock it back into a normal heart rhythm. The Pacing device automatically adjusts itself to find the best setting for the individual patient thus improving their symptoms without requiring the patient to return to hospital.

The device was fitted by Consultant Cardiologists Dr Nikhil Patel and Dr Richard Veasey in a procedure at Eastbourne DGH.

Dr Nikhil Patel Consultant Cardiologist and Clinical Lead for Cardiovascular Services said: “This device uses the very latest technology and will improve the performance of the heart muscle because the extra pacing lead provides an extra point of contact with the heart muscle.”