PRHC Performs First-Ever Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Procedure in Peterborough

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has performed its first-ever Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) procedure in the hospital’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab, announced on Thursday morning.

PRHC is now the only hospital between Kingston and Scarborough to offer Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator. Photo courtesy of the PRHC.

Dr. Heather Cox, PRHC’s Deputy Chief of Surgery and Section Lead for Vascular Surgery, successfully performed the ICD procedure in March. She was supported by peers from University Health Network (UHN), who also provided training for nursing staff in the lead-up to PRHC’s first patient procedure.

According to the PRHC, an ICD is a small, battery-powered device surgically placed under the skin to monitor for and treat life-threatening, fast heart rhythms, or arrhythmias, that can cause sudden cardiac death. It uses wires to deliver low-energy pacing or high-energy shocks to restore normal heart rhythm. If a life-threatening change in the heart’s rhythm occurs, the ICD automatically delivers a shock to restore normal rhythm, even if the patient is unconscious and alone.

“It’s a life-saving procedure to receive a defibrillator,” said Dr. Cox. “The patient will have the safety of knowing that they’re being monitored carefully, and that the defibrillator will treat them if they run into an unsafe heart rhythm, and restore the heart into a normal, safe rhythm.”

Peterborough resident Ron was the first patient to undergo the ICD procedure. He reports that he is doing very well and feeling fantastic.

“These patients were previously having to travel to sites in Toronto and Kingston to have an ICD implanted. To be able to provide this advanced procedure closer to home at PRHC is an important step forward for the hospital’s regional cardiovascular care program and for patients across our community and region,“ saidd Dr. Cox.

The addition of the ICD procedure is one of several planned expansions to the cardiac program as we work toward a future in which PRHC offers full-service cardiovascular care for patients across the region.

“It’s extremely exciting to see another example of how donor generosity coupled with PRHC’s vision and the skills of its doctors, nurses and staff can so significantly transform patient care,” said Lesley Heighway, President & CEO of the PRHC Foundation. “Donor investment in building PRHC’s capability and capacity to transition to a comprehensive cardiac care program has enabled the introduction of ICD insertion right here, close to home. This will impact so many patients who would otherwise have to travel to Kingston or Toronto for the procedure to insert this life-saving device. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who’s been a part of this ongoing journey. Thank you!”

“The new life-saving treatments coming to PRHC will once again change the face of cardiac care in our region,” said Jim Neill, the philanthropist after whom the hospital’s James B. Neill Cardiac Centre was named in 2021. “I’m glad that my commitment is helping ‘keep our hearts here’ as PRHC builds on a donor-funded cardiac care foundation, on its way to a third cardiac lab and ultimately a full-service heart centre. I’m honoured to be part of the tradition of philanthropy that has supported this hospital since the beginning. I hope that my donation and what it’s helping to make possible will encourage and inspire others, as the donors who have come before have inspired me.”

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