Warwickshire Hospital can now implant tiny heart monitoring devices

The state-of-the-art device called an ‘implantable loop recorder’ sits just under the skin and monitors abnormalities in a patient’s heart rhythm. Every day, information is sent wirelessly from the implant to a base station in the patient’s home before being transmitted directly to the hospital.

Doctors, Nurses and Cardiac Physiologists can then remotely monitor any irregularities in the patient’s heart rhythms, meaning they can keep a close eye on patients without them needing to come in to hospital for regular appointments and lets them get on with their normal lives.

Traditionally cardiac devices like these would have been implanted by a Consultant Cardiologist or Registrar but new technology means the miniature implant can now be inserted by a specialist cardiac nurse in around 15 minutes.

Cardiology Sister Lauren Deegan, who is the first nurse at the Trust to be trained in the procedure, said: “It’s a brilliant example of modern technology being used to improve patient care and experience whilst also reducing waiting times.

“Because nurses are being trained to implant these devices specialist doctors will now have even more time to carry out more complex procedures such as fitting life-saving pacemakers and defibrillators.”

Iris White, who was one of Lauren’s first patients, said: “I’m really pleased with the procedure. Everything went really well and it was quicker than I thought as well!”