Cape Town - Two patients are well on the road to full recovery after undergoing cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) at Tygerberg Hospital.
The procedure involves implanting a special pacemaker (a small, battery-powered device) in these patients to improve the function of their failing hearts.
The devices are implanted in the best candidates in many public sector hospitals in South Africa.
Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease and stroke, remains the leading cause of death in South Africa after HIV/Aids.
With Heart Awareness Month being commemorated in September, the two donated CRT devices were from Vertice and visiting Professor Klaus Witte from the University Clinic Aachen in Germany.
One of the patients, Thembekile Maphekula, 71, from Khayelitsha, who suffers from heart failure, is grateful to the CRT device as it helps to alleviate many of his symptoms.
“I am feeling much better after the procedure. Before this, I was always in pain, sleepy, tired and constantly out of breath. I want to thank the cardiology team at the hospital as they really saved my life. This treatment gave me new energy,” Maphekula said.
Dr Jacques Doubell, a cardiologist at Tygerberg Hospital, said although these patients were put on medication, they unfortunately did not respond well.
“They remained tired after doing basic activities at home. Cardiac resynchronisation therapy became an option to help improve the electrical conduction in the heart and improves the pump function, and on June 25, we performed the procedures.
“The procedures were successful, and their progress will be monitored during follow-up. A special thanks to all those that gave their time and money to make this possible,” said Doubell.
Patients who are not suitable candidates for CRT are treated medically.