Breakthrough as heart surgeons implant miracle pacemaker the size of a grain of rice
HEART surgeons have implanted one of the smallest pacemakers ever — roughly the size of a grain of rice.
Graham Motteram, 76, was fitted with the tiny tech in a 30-minute op.
A standard pacemaker is 38mm long and lasts between six and ten years.
However, the new miniature version is just 10mm and could last for more than 20 years in some patients.
Prof Paul Roberts, the consultant cardiologist who carried out the operation at Southampton University Hospital, said: “This pacemaker is a significant advancement in patient care.
“It is anticipated in the near future we will be able to implant a second device in selected patients which means a larger group of people may benefit from this technology.”
Pacemakers help regulate the heartbeats of more than 1.5million Brits who have a heart rhythm condition.
The device anchors itself to the heart where it detects the rhythm to send electric shocks and speed up the pulse.
Retired contract manager Graham, who was diagnosed with bradycardia during a GP check-up, went home two days after his op.
He said: “I feel better than I have in months. I feel very lucky to be the first patient in Southampton to be fitted with this new device and I’m so grateful to the team — they have saved my life.”