‘An amazing relief’: implant offers hope for those with refractory angina
Study finds device brings significant fall in chest pain in 75% of patients, but further trials and NHS approval are needed “It’s an amazing relief, both physically and emotionally, to be able to live my life again normally, without feeling that I’m limited all the time in what I can do.” Cristian Jensen is describing the difference that an implant inserted in his chest – to reduce the symptoms…
A recent study has revealed that a new implant can significantly reduce chest pain in 75% of patients with refractory angina, a condition that remains problematic despite the use of drugs, stents, and heart bypass surgery. The implant, known as a coronary sinus reducer (CSR), was inserted in 474 out of 491 individuals with refractory angina across 19 hospitals in England and Scotland between 2014 and 2024.
The device, which costs the NHS £11,400, works by narrowing a vein at the back of the heart to redirect blood flow to areas of the heart muscle that are receiving insufficient oxygen. The study, led by consultant cardiologist Dr Ranil de Silva, demonstrated that the implant led to a substantial decrease in chest pain within six months of fitting.
Dr de Silva, who co-led the study, described the CSR as a potential "gamechanger" for patients, as it can greatly alleviate the debilitating symptoms of refractory angina and improve quality of life. While the NHS has approved the treatment for only a small portion of the estimated 300,000 people in England with refractory angina, further trials and NHS approval are needed to expand access to this promising device.
Written by urgent.news from Guardian Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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