This is Leicestershire --A tiny device could prove a lifeline for thousands suffering from high blood pressure, according to a top heart consultant.
Professor Andre Ng, a consultant cardiologist, carried out groundbreaking treatment to implant a device which measures less than 2cms and looks a bit like a paper-clip, earlier this week.
The procedure was performed on a patient at Glenfield Hospital, one of a handful in Europe taking part in the clinical trial.
If it proves successful, it could give hope to thousands of people who have high blood pressure which cannot be controlled with medication.
Prof Ng, Professor of Cardiac Electrophysiology at the University of Leicester, said: "Uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure) can lead to many other medical conditions with dire consequences.
"Patients with resistant hypertension have blood pressure way above normally accepted levels, despite multiple medication.
"We hope this groundbreaking treatment will provide a lifeline to patients who have had all the drugs prescribed and yet their blood pressure remains uncontrolled."
The key hole surgery, which took under an hour, involved fitting a Rox Coupler – a small metal stent.
The device acts like a paper clip, joining an artery and a vein, called the iliac vessels, in the groin area.
It allows blood to flow between the high pressure artery and the low pressure vein.
One hundred patients are being recruited to the study.
It is being carried out with support from the National Institute for Health Research an Leicester Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit.
Prof Ng said: "It is a very good example of how the university and Leicester's hospitals are leading research.
"Results from the pilot study already done on this latest technology look promising.
"We are now carrying out a randomised clinical trial and Glenfield is one of several centres here and in Europe.
"The results should be available in 2015 and, if successful, the treatment could be available soon after that."
The first patient in Leicester to receive the treatment was a 56-year-old man.
Prof Ng said: "Almost immediately, the patient's blood pressure went down to more acceptable levels."
Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to kidney damage and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
It is described as the "silent killer" as many patients do not have any symptoms until they develop complications.
The patient, who has asked to remain anonymous, said: "The procedure is remarkable.
"I know it is still early days but I have already seen a significant reduction in my blood pressure points. I am amazed."
For more details on the study, call 0116 258 3385 or e-mail:
kris.kenmuir-hogg@uhl-tr.nhs.uk Reported by This is 2 hours ago.