The cardiology team at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital (RBH) is one of the first in the UK to trial revolutionary new technology which should reduce the need for patients with heart failure to be readmitted to hospital. 

Heart failure means the heart is unable to pump blood around the body properly due to the heart becoming too weak or stiff. It is estimated more than 900,000 people in the UK are living with heart failure. 

This month, patient Angela Giacomini, 55, from Bournemouth had a small device implanted into the vein that leads to her heart. The device expands and contracts as the heart beats, measuring the volume of blood being delivered to the heart. It then sends signals to a belt worn by the patient which raises an alarm if a concerning pattern is monitored, before a patient experiences symptoms. This can give an opportunity for doctors to change a patient’s medication and reduce the chances of a hospital admission. 

She was the first patient at UHD to receive the implant and is only the fourth person in the UK to take part in this trial, known as FIRE-1. 

Angela said: “I was readmitted to hospital with heart problems for the second time a few months ago. I want to avoid having to come into hospital and I am optimistic that this device is a positive step. I was anxious when I came in for the procedure, but the team put me at ease and if I rest well enough I can be back to work.” 

Dr Chris Critoph, consultant cardiologist, said: “At this stage, this trial is to prove the technology works, and if it does, this is a fantastic development for our local population. I am proud of my team and that UHD is at the forefront of this ‘first-in man’ technology research. 

“Our team is delighted the procedure went well and we are hoping to get 10 patients on this trial. Any patient that signs up for a trial is making a massive difference to medical advancement and we can’t thank them enough.”