A PENSIONER has become the first person to undergo a new, high-risk treatment after suffering a heart attack.

Bill Geldart was told that it was too risky for him to have a heart bypass operation as he already had an existing lung condition that should have ruled him out of receiving the treatment.

However, the 72-year-old Stockton grandfather was able to have the operation when medics used a HeartMate PHP cardiac assist device to regulate his heart beat, enabling surgeons to carry out the procedure at James Cook University Hospital.

After implanting the device, interventional cardiologists Douglas Muir and Paul Williams were able to carry out an operation to insert stents into the pensioner’s blood vessels with an increased level of safety.

The retired British Gas worker is now pain free and looking forward to walking his dog again.

He said: “Impressed does not even begin to describe it. When Mr Muir came up with the idea I jumped at it.

"I knew the risks but I was prepared to take the risks to get rid of the pain.

“What they have done for me is unbelievable. I can’t fault any of the care I have received.”

While similar devices have been used in operations before, this is the only one which can pump four to five litres of blood per minute – the same as an actual heart would.

Dr Muir said: “The device took on part of the pumping action of the heart which enabled us to carry out the angioplasty. It was a very complex procedure which took around two and a half hours. I don’t think his heart would have supported him during the procedure without it.”

Dr Williams added: “It made it quite straightforward for us as we did not have to worry about his heart stopping."