2 February 2026
A Wolverhampton patient has become one of the first in the country to receive a new type of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator designed to treat abnormal heart rhythms and prevent sudden cardiac arrest.
Bradley Ferguson, 31, was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) at the age of 19 — a condition where the heart muscle wall becomes thickened, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively.
He underwent a groundbreaking EV-ICD (Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) procedure at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust’s Heart and Lung Centre.
Bradley, of Cannock, said: “Growing up I used to have regular palpitations and was diagnosed with HCM at 19. I’ve always been active and played football without issues, but a few years ago my symptoms worsened.
“I began experiencing palpitations eight to ten times a day and became increasingly anxious about the risk of sudden cardiac arrest. My latest tests showed ventricular tachycardia and Dr Petkar told me about this new type of defibrillator. It felt like a no-brainer, so I signed up straight away.”
Dr Sanjiv Petkar, Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist at the Trust, said: “An EV-ICD monitors a patient’s heartbeat 24 hours a day. If it detects an abnormally fast rhythm, it first delivers small electrical signals to correct it – a process known as anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP).
“If the abnormal rhythm continues, the device delivers an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat, known as cardioversion or defibrillation. It can also treat slow heartbeats by sending electrical signals when needed.
“The EV-ICD offers the same pacing and shock therapies as traditional ICDs but avoids placing leads inside the heart or blood vessels, reducing the risk of vascular injury. It’s an exciting advancement that we’re proud to offer our patients here at the Heart and Lung Centre.”
Bradley’s operation took place at 9am on 31 October, and he was discharged home the same day.
He added: “I’m so grateful to the team at the Heart and Lung Centre. The new device has given me real peace of mind — I feel much less anxious. The care was brilliant; the nurses were friendly and reassuring. I couldn’t fault it.”