A groundbreaking medical procedure has taken place at University Hospital Galway (UHG), where Sheila Concannon from Spiddal, Galway, became the first patient in Ireland to receive an innovative heart failure sensor. This new device aims to revolutionize the way patients with heart failure are monitored and treated.

Heart failure is a serious condition affecting a significant number of individuals in Ireland, with over 10,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Patients with heart failure often face frequent hospitalizations and the need for close monitoring of symptoms such as swelling, fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

Traditionally, patients with heart failure have struggled to avoid rehospitalization due to fluid build-up in the lungs. However, the introduction of this cutting-edge sensor at UHG offers new hope. The sensor directly measures the volume of fluid build-up, enabling cardiology teams to remotely monitor patients and intervene promptly when necessary.

Prof Faisal Sharif, a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at UHG, led the clinical trial that included the groundbreaking procedure on Sheila Concannon. Following the surgery, patients are equipped with a detection belt worn for a brief period each day, powering the implanted sensor and providing real-time information on the patient’s heart health.

This advancement in medical technology not only enhances patient care but also reduces the need for unnecessary hospital visits, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals living with heart failure. The successful implementation of this innovative sensor marks a significant milestone in the field of cardiology in Ireland.