A COLCHESTER resident has become the first person in the world to be fitted with a new high-tech heart implant which can communicate with a specialist doctor via a smartphone.

David Southworth, 73, underwent an operation to have the advanced implant fitted at Essex Cardiothoracic Centre in Basildon.

Doctors have likened the device to having a "paramedic in your pocket" and Mr Southworth said it has already changed his life.

He said: "It's helped me to breathe easier, walk further, and two weeks on, I feel better for it already.

"I took the procedure in my stride and I am pleased to play my part.

"Hopefully, the device can help a lot of other patients similar to me."

The implant is about the size of a pocket watch and can communicate with Mr Southworth's consultant on a smartphone or tablet, wherever they are in the world.

The device has advanced algorithms which tailor its therapy to meet the patient's needs.

It monitors Mr Southworth's heart every minute, identifying irregular heartbeats and responding with small electrical impulses which correct the heart's electrical signals and reduce symptoms.

It also sends advance warnings to hospital consultants, should it detect any changes which require health professional intervention.

Dr Duncan Field, a consultant cardiologist at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, fitted the Medtronic Cobalt implant to Mr Southworth earlier this month and has since carried out the procedure on several more patients.

He said: "The Cobalt implant offers a personalised approach to defibrillator therapy, which is a big leap forward in performance and intelligence that I liken to having a paramedic in your pocket.

"The defibrillator protects the heart from dangerous arrhythmias and can give the hospital team advanced warning if we need to intervene, wherever in the world the patient might be.

"The cardiac resynchronisation part of the device focuses on helping the muscles of the heart to beat in the right way.

"It's like a tug of war team - if you can get the muscles to work at the same time and in rhythm, they are more effective at pumping blood around the body.

"Mr Southworth's early progress is encouraging, as improvement takes place during the first three to six months following implant.

"Thanks to the protection of the device, he can go and live his life again."

The medical development will help doctors tailor care to patients individual and could improve lives around the world.