Holbeach pensioner undergoes pioneering heart procedure using diamonds
A Holbeach pensioner really is a 'diamond geezer' after being one of the first in the world to benefit from a cardiology procedure using the mineral to help correct abnormal heart rhythms.
Michael Lynas (82) had the 'ablation' treatment at Royal Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, where a catheter containing industrial grade diamonds in the tip was used.
An ablation is a procedure which uses either heat or freezing on the problematic area of the heart that is triggering the fast rhythm (arrhythmia). This destroys problematic heart tissue and restores a normal rhythm.
Michael, a Freemason, has a history of heart problems, including having had a cardiac arrest and heart attack, the latter of which occurred in 2019 and led to an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) being fitted.
“My ICD has gone off twice since it was fitted three years ago – it allows me to carry on with my life knowing that I have a device that will shock my heart back into life if needed,” said Mr Lynas from his hospital bed just a few hours after his ablation.
“However, day-to-day, I still suffer with an abnormal and fast heart rate and that left me feeling dizzy quite a lot of the time, but since having the ablation performed, my heart has been back in a normal rhythm.
“I can feel the difference inside myself and it gives me an inner confidence I did not have before. I may be 82, but I like to stay active and get out, so this makes such a huge difference to my quality of life.
“This is all thanks to this new technology, combined with the brilliant treatment I have received at Royal Papworth Hospital. I cannot speak highly enough of the care I have received from everyone at the hospital.
“I find it quite amazing that, at the age of 82, I can be given a general anaesthetic, undergo an ablation and then be walking and talking in my room within an hour or two.
“I hope that telling my story encourages and reassures other people who are due to come in for an ablation and gives them confidence that they too will be treated safely by an outstanding and compassionate team.”
Royal Papworth consultant cardiologist Dr Claire Martin said: “Cooling the cardiac tissue during an ablation is vital in order to be able to deliver sufficient energy to the tissue and to prevent char building up on the tip of the catheter.
"This new technology makes the procedures safer because less saline infusion is needed to cool down a diamond catheter compared with platinum which is usually used.
"This is important in patients with heart failure because fluid can easily build up in the lungs, so we want to use as little fluid as possible. By using diamonds instead of platinum, we are able to use up to 50% less saline.
“It also provides quicker, more effective cooling, which helps to reduce procedure times and in turn allows us to perform more ablations each day.”
