At 24, Emily Coles faced a health scare that changed her life forever. One minute, she was chatting with her sister over coffee, and the next, she collapsed to the floor with no warning. Unbeknownst to her, her heart had stopped beating for ten full seconds, and she was about to embark on a journey toward a life-saving treatment. What followed was a rollercoaster of tests, a diagnosis of reflex syncope, and ultimately, the implantation of a groundbreaking pacemaker that would change her life forever.
Key Takeaways
Emily Coles, a 24-year-old nurse, was diagnosed with reflex syncope and received a groundbreaking leadless pacemaker that has changed her life forever.
- Emily’s heart condition caused her to faint regularly, but the new pacemaker has regulated her heart rate and prevented further episodes of fainting.
- The leadless pacemaker is smaller, requires less invasive surgery, and has a battery life of up to 25 years, making it a revolutionary technology for younger patients like Emily.
- The benefits of the leadless pacemaker extend beyond Emily’s personal story, as it could reduce the risk of infection and revolutionize the way doctors approach heart disease and treatment.
The unseen threat: Emily’s sudden collapse
It all started on a typical afternoon in September when Emily, a nurse from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was sitting with her sister Lauren. They were having coffee in the kitchen when Emily suddenly dropped to the ground. “One minute we were having a catch-up, the next I was on the floor,” Emily recalled. She remembered feeling light-headed but had no idea that her heart was the reason behind her collapse.
Lauren, training to be a doctor, quickly took Emily to A&E. Emily underwent tests, including a tilt table test, which involved tilting the patient upright for 45 minutes. After half an hour, Emily fainted, and the monitors revealed her heart had stopped for ten seconds.
The diagnosis: Reflex syncope and its consequences
Emily was diagnosed with reflex syncope, a condition where the heart rate slows down dramatically, causing a temporary loss of consciousness. The condition was more serious than initially thought: not only was Emily fainting regularly, but her heart was stopping for periods of up to ten seconds.
After her collapse, Emily struggled to accept her condition. Banned from driving, she faced difficulties commuting to her 12-hour nursing shifts. Her social life was limited, and she felt increasingly isolated. Managing her blood pressure with extra salt and water left her feeling confined.
However, the most concerning aspect was the risk to her long-term health. Reflex syncope, while often manageable in older patients, could be life-threatening for someone as young as Emily. Doctors quickly recommended a pacemaker to regulate her heart and prevent the dangerous episodes of fainting that could lead to severe complications, even death.
A groundbreaking solution: The leadless pacemaker
While the need for a pacemaker was clear, Emily’s case was unique in that she became one of the first patients in the UK to receive a new, cutting-edge leadless pacemaker. Traditional pacemakers, which have been in use for decades, involve a device implanted in the chest with wires (leads) that connect to the heart to regulate its rhythm.
These pacemakers, though effective, have several downsides. The leads can malfunction, requiring replacements that increase the risk of infection. Additionally, traditional pacemakers typically last only ten years before needing to be replaced.
Emily’s new pacemaker was a major advancement. Developed in the US, the leadless pacemaker is smaller, requires less invasive surgery, and has a battery life of up to 25 years—more than twice as long as conventional models. It does not have leads, which means there’s no risk of lead failure or infection. For younger patients like Emily, this new technology is revolutionary, offering a long-term solution that minimizes the need for future surgeries.
Dr. Nigel Lewis, the consultant cardiologist who treated Emily, explained that the leadless pacemaker could be a game-changer for younger patients, especially those with underlying health conditions that make traditional pacemakers difficult to implant.
For example, patients on dialysis, cancer patients who have received radiotherapy, and others with blocked veins might find it difficult or risky to undergo the procedure required for traditional pacemakers. The leadless pacemaker, on the other hand, can be inserted with a simple catheter-based procedure, reducing the risk of complications.
A new approach to pacemaker implantation
In January, Emily underwent the procedure to have the leadless pacemaker implanted. Unlike traditional pacemaker surgery, which requires a small incision in the chest, the leadless pacemaker was implanted through a minimally invasive technique. A catheter was inserted into a vein in Emily’s leg and threaded up to her heart. The tiny pacemaker was then passed through the catheter, where it was fixed into place on the septum of the right ventricle of the heart using small hooks.
The entire procedure took just one hour and was done under local anaesthetic. For Emily, this meant a faster recovery time and less pain compared to the more invasive traditional methods. The pacemaker itself, about the size of a small battery, is now continuously monitoring her heart, ensuring it keeps a steady rhythm.
In a clinical trial, the leadless pacemaker has proven to be just as effective as traditional pacemakers. The two-year trial demonstrated that it not only performed well in regulating heart rate but also had a significantly lower rate of complications, particularly infections, compared to traditional devices. For Emily, the result has been life-changing. She has already started driving again, resumed her gym membership, and feels like she’s regained control of her life.
Broader impact of leadless pacemaker in heart care
The benefits of the leadless pacemaker extend far beyond Emily’s personal story. With a longer battery life, fewer risks, and less invasive surgery, this new technology is poised to revolutionize the way doctors approach heart disease and treatment. Dr. Lewis believes that this technology will benefit not just young patients but also those with chronic conditions or complications that would make traditional pacemaker implantation difficult or dangerous.
One key advantage of the leadless pacemaker is its ability to reduce the risk of infection, a serious complication associated with traditional pacemakers. In a study conducted by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, 84 cases of pacemaker-related infections were reported over two years, with half of those patients requiring emergency surgery. The infections are costly, too, with each case averaging $31,645 to manage. The leadless pacemaker could significantly reduce the incidence of such complications, saving both lives and money.
The technology has already been shown to benefit hundreds of patients, and in the long term, it could help thousands more. It’s a significant step forward in heart care, particularly for younger patients who would otherwise face repeated surgeries throughout their lives.
Emily’s new lease on life
For Emily, the experience has been transformative. After her pacemaker was implanted, she was able to regain her confidence and independence. No longer limited by her condition, she has resumed the activities she once took for granted, from driving to working long shifts at the hospital, and even hitting the gym again.
“I found it difficult to come to terms with needing a pacemaker at 24,” she admitted. “But now, I feel like I’ve got my life back on track.” Emily is excited to embrace the future, knowing that her heart condition is under control and that the risks of complications have been dramatically reduced.
For other patients facing similar heart conditions, the leadless pacemaker offers hope and a much brighter future. As the technology continues to evolve and improve, it may become the standard for pacemaker implantation, providing safer and more effective treatment for those with heart rhythm disorders.
Emily’s story is just one of many that highlight the life-saving potential of medical innovation. With each breakthrough, patients like Emily can look forward to a future full of possibilities, without the constant worry of pacemaker replacements or complications.
A life-saving innovation: The leadless pacemaker
Thanks to the revolutionary leadless pacemaker, Emily Coles has been given a second chance at life. This advancement in heart care not only offers a longer-lasting and safer alternative to traditional pacemakers but also opens the door to a future where patients no longer have to worry about the complications of multiple surgeries. Emily’s story is a testament to the power of innovation in medicine and the remarkable impact it can have on people’s lives.
