{
  "id": 2946879,
  "title": "‘An amazing relief’: implant offers hope for those with refractory angina",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/an-amazing-relief-implant-offers-hope-for-those-with-refractory-angina",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-24T05:00:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Guardian Health",
    "slug": "guardian-health",
    "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/aug/24/an-amazing-relief-implant-offers-hope-for-those-with-refractory-angina"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "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…",
  "key_points": [
    "Implant reduces chest pain in 75% of refractory angina patients",
    "Coronary sinus reducer device redirects blood flow to oxygen-starved heart muscle",
    "NHS approved for limited cases, further trials needed for wider access"
  ],
  "editors_take": "This development offers significant hope for patients with refractory angina, potentially improving their quality of life by alleviating debilitating symptoms, and could change treatment options if NHS approval expands.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Guardian Science",
        "title": "‘An amazing relief’: implant offers hope for those with refractory angina",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/an-amazing-relief-implant-offers-hope-for-those-with-refractory-angina-2949264",
        "published": "2026-08-24T05:00:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}