Walking around Zellers may not seem like an extraordinary venture, but for George Woods, being able to circle the store with only his cane is cause for celebration.

After nearly 15 years of poor health due to heart problems, the 73-year-old Midland resident says he’s feeling better than ever after being the first person in Canada to receive a cardiac device that remotely monitors and checks heart patients.

George underwent the one-hour operation to surgically implant the new Vision 3D™ wireless at Newmarket’s Southlake Regional Health Centre just over a week ago.

“I was sore for a few days, but otherwise I feel pretty good,” said George. “I’ve been out for a walk, which is something I couldn’t do before.”

Described as a stopwatch-sized device implanted in the chest area with leads extending to the heart and administering electrical shocks to stop irregular heart rhythms that can cause sudden cardiac arrest, the new defibrillator has only recently been launched in North America.

It is unique because it not only remotely monitors the condition of Woods from the comfort of his home, but it continuously and automatically tests the leads and alerts medical staff to any changes or potential problems.

Specialized practitioners can then remotely view the device information and testing results and determine if any changes need to be made, or if he should be brought to the hospital for care.

Despite being the first in Canada to receive the technology, neither George nor his wife Betty were nervous about the newness of the device.

“When I go out and buy something, I always buy the best. So, if this is the best, then why wouldn’t I want it? Some people are terrified to try something new… but I’ve gone through far more serious surgeries than this one.”

The new device and its added features have already been proved successful in Europe, Betty noted.

“It will give us piece of mind because if George feels something, they can look at it right away,” she said.

Marianne Beardsall, advance practice nurse at Southlake, says this innovation means patients will no longer have to book check-ups every three to four months at cardiac centres to have their implanted devices tested. That means no more worrying about transportation or waiting for appointments.

“Everything can now be done via Internet and patients need only come into the hospital if the transmitted reports show a problem that can’t be fixed remotely. This means that, if all is well, patients potentially never have to come to the hospital concerning their implanted devices.”

The couple says saving the time driving to the Newmarket hospital is nice, but the change in George’s health is the real benefit. It has already improved his quality of life.

Betty is looking forward to spending more quality time with her husband.

“It’s been a little overwhelming, but it’s interesting,” she says. “It will definitely ease my mind because I was probably the only one who knew how bad he was.”

As for George, he is hoping to get back to enjoying some of the hobbies he loved so much before he got sick, including woodworking and playing the violin.

“I will have more oxygen than I did before … I couldn’t do much without huffing and puffing,” he says. “I know it has already increased my quality of life in only a week … I feel really honoured to have been chosen for this.”