First UK patient has a sensor fitted that can detect heart failure and is the size of a pen lid 

 A heart failure patient has become the first in the UK to be fitted with a sensor that gives an alert if the condition worsens.

The device, about the size of a pen lid, is designed to monitor the amount of fluid in the body – elevated levels can indicate heart failure.

Trials to fit the FIRE1 System are taking place at University Hospital Southampton.

The device is implanted into the largest vein, the inferior vena cava, using a catheter at the top of the leg. It is collapsed on entry so it can be pushed up into the abdomen, where it expands to its full size.

Patients then wear an external belt for one to two minutes a day which powers the sensor using radiofrequency energy.

The device, about the size of a pen lid, is designed to monitor the amount of fluid in the body – elevated levels can indicate heart failure. Trials to fit the FIRE1 System are taking place at University Hospital Southampton

The hospital admitted 700 patients with the condition every year with 900,000 people estimated to be living with heart failure in the UK, costing the NHS £2 billion per year

Cardiologist Dr Andrew Flett, who oversaw the trial, said: ‘Heart failure is a significant burden on the NHS and so pioneering advances such as this could help to reduce that pressure.’ 

‘This innovative new device has the potential to improve patient safety and outcomes in the management of patients with chronic heart failure and we are delighted to be the first site in the UK to implant as part of this ground-breaking study. 

‘We have now successfully implanted a second patient with the device and data is already being transmitted which we look forward to receiving so that we can intervene earlier in a bid to reduce hospital visits and keep patients well for longer.’

He added: ‘It is estimated that one in five people will develop heart failure and earlier intervention when patients start to deteriorate can make a huge difference and the hope is that this new FIRE1 device will do just that. 

‘It is an exciting new development for patients with this condition.’ 

The university spokeswoman added: ‘FIRE1 has successfully completed its early phase of clinical trials and is now expanding its study to evaluate the feasibility and safety of implanting the FIRE1 System in heart failure patients.’ 

She explained that heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood around the body efficiently, causing fluid to build up. 

She said that UHS admitted 700 patients with the condition every year with 900,000 people estimated to be living with heart failure in the UK, costing the NHS £2 billion per year.

Some 900,000 are estimated to have the condition in the UK.