First cardioverter defibrillator implanted at Peebles Hospital

Visible advancements are being made to the local health services industry with the first Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) being placed in a patient at Peebles Hospital.

This very technical procedure which involves placing an ICD under the skin of a patient to monitor his or her heart rate was successfully done on April 18.

Cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr Rodger Miller said the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) is now a step closer to achieving their overall goal for healthcare in the BVI.

“We are pleased that we can continue to expand our range of services as we continue on our mission of delivering optimum care to the people of the territory,” Dr Miller said.

The physician also said the battery-powered device does not only monitor pacing of the heart. The medical device is also able to perform cardioversion and defibrillation, which is the ability to distribute an electric shock to get the patient’s heart back into a regular rhythm if an abnormality is detected.

He said similar services are provided at two of the BVIHSA’s monthly clinics.

“At the Pacemaker Clinic, devices are checked and re-programmed if necessary. Patients with surgical cardiac or thoracic problems can be evaluated and followed up with at the Cardiothoracic Clinic. Both clinics are held on the second Thursday of every month,” Dr Miller said.

June 13 is the next date for which services in the Pacemaker and Cardiothoracic clinics will be offered. Interested persons can book an appointment by calling the Out-patient Clinic at 284-852-7554.