Device saves patient’s life in first of its kind heart op

An 83-year-old Limerick man who suffered a heart attack is making a good recovery at Limerick University Hospital, due to the first of its kind procedure carried out in this country.

Consultant cardiologist Prof Tom Kiernan, assisted by cardiologist Dr Brian Hynes, inserted a US-made pump device which enabled him to safely place stents in the patient’s heart.

Without the pump — known as the Impella 2.5 Litre device — the stents procedure would have been very high risk due to the condition of the patient’s heart. The patient was also deemed unsuitable for open heart surgery due to his overall medical condition.