The family of the first patient in Yorkshire to successfully receive a new miniature heart pump have thanked cardiologists at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust after a specialised device was used to save his life.
John Barrass, aged 78, from Chesterfield, needed an operation to unblock his arteries after a cardiac arrest left his heart’s function critically impaired but severe calcification in his arteries and a critically weakened heart meant his odds of survival from a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were less than 50%.
However, thanks to 15 new Impella heart pumps funded by Sheffield Hospitals Charity, a new option has been created for the region’s sickest heart patients, including John.
The devices – which sit inside the heart’s left ventricle and are the size of a 50p coin – work by temporarily taking over the function of the heart to provide it with strong blood pumping pressure to ensure sufficient blood flow to the heart muscle and vital organs whilst the heart is being operated on.
Life-changing cardiac innovation
His daughter, Kirsty Lowden, 47, said “We didn't know Dad was going to be the first to have one of the new pumps, but his arteries were like calcium so all the doctors reviewing his case agreed that they would use the device should they need to".
During the operation John's blood pressure dropped to dangerously low levels – and he was minutes’ away from a cardiac arrest.
"His heart blood pressure went and his heart stopped, and the device had to kick in for about five minutes. So, without that, he wouldn't be here now,” Kirsty added.
Dr Aetesam Rahman Consultant Cardiologist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust who is leading the Impella programme said it was a “really excellent result”.
He performed the procedure with a team of experts, including Prof Paul Morris, Dr Arvin Krishnamurthy and Dr Jon Rosser.
Dr Rahman said: “The pump was able to deliver an additional 3.5 litres of blood a minute – which was in addition to what John’s heart was already able to pump bringing it to near-normal levels during the procedure. This enabled us to successfully perform the procedure safely and in a controlled manner. John had four stents fitted to widen his arteries and is recovering well."
Most patients undergoing heart procedures, such as coronary angioplasty or stents will not need one of these devices but for patients like John undergoing high-risk procedures, research shows these pumps increase survival by more than 70% up to six months after surgery."
"We are enormously grateful to Sheffield Hospitals Charity for enabling us to deliver this life-saving programme to the immediate benefit of patients," Dr Rahman added.
Reflecting on the experience, Kirsty said: “We’ve been joking that he's a medical marvel now. Everyone at the Northern General Hospital was just amazing and explained everything to us. We’re really, really grateful. That device saved my dad’s life, no question.”
Improving patient outcomes
The 15 pumps gifted by Sheffield Hospitals Charity are set to benefit around one patient a month including those referred from hospitals in Chesterfield, Doncaster and Barnsley experiencing cardiogenic shock or those in acute cardiac distress such as patients awaiting a heart transplant, those with multiple illnesses and those undergoing high-risk cardiac procedures.
Recent research also shows that the pump’s cardiac support system plays an important role in the treatment of cardiogenic shock, improving survival, recovery and quality of life whilst also shortening the length of time patients would normally have to spend in cardiac intensive care units.