Implant hope for victims of heart failure

A pioneering operation which will see a patient with heart failure implanted with a device to improve heart function will take place for the first time in the UK.

The patient will be fitted with the nerve-stimulating device and, if it proves successful, it will offer hope to thousands with the condition.

The operation, which is part of a clinical trial called Inovate-HF, is to take place at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester.

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Scientists are testing the device, the CardioFit system, which works by stimulating the vagus nerve on the right side of the neck. The nerve forms part of the nervous system which sends messages between the brain and other parts of the body.

Researchers hope this will reduce the stress on the heart, which will alleviate heart failure symptoms and improve quality of life for patients.

Consultant cardiologist and chief UK investigator on the project Dr Andre Ng said: “Our aim with the Inovate-HF study is to assess CardioFit’s safety as well as its potential to improve heart function in patients with heart failure.

“If the hypothesis is proven in the study results, this could transform heart failure treatment.”

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