Culcheth man on way to recovery after heart operation (From Warrington Guardian)

Culcheth man on way to recovery after heart operation

8:00am Friday 30th December 2011 in News

THIS time last year Culcheth dad James Stirton could not walk for the bus without experiencing chest pains.

But after pioneering treatment, the 77-year-old is now back to his usual routine.

James, of Sawley Close, was referred to Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital for a Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), commonly known as a coronary angioplasty.

The potentially life-saving treatment involves inserting a balloon and stent into the artery to open up any blockages.

James said: “When I first started getting chest pains, I didn’t know if it was caused by my asthma or if it was something worse like angina.

“I was referred for tests at Warrington Hospital and then needed an angiogram which showed that my artery was partially blocked.”

Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital is the only hospital in Merseyside and Cheshire performing the PCI treatment and carries out around 1,200 elective PCI procedures each year as well as 1,700 urgent and emergency procedures.

James added: “When I was discharged, I was told not to lift anything heavier than a tea cup for the first week but to do light exercise.

“Two days after my PCI, I went for my first small walk outside which I did almost daily during that first week.

“On returning home I gradually started doing a bit more until three weeks after my PCI I mowed the lawn and have continued to do tasks like that in the garden and house ever since.”

Dr Raph Perry, consultant cardiologist and associate medical director, said each cardiologist at the hospital has to undertake a number of procedures to maintain high standards.

He added: “Our cardiologists have had extensive training and experience to undertake this procedure and we are the only centre in the region capable of delivering such a high quality service.”