Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA (CBS) -- Each year, more than a million Americans suffer from heart attacks. Hundreds die before ever getting to a hospital, and many patients have no warning signs.
But that could soon change.
Fifty-nine year old Bruce Fisher had quintuple bypass surgery just a few weeks ago. He's now back in the operating room, undergoing an experimental surgery that could prevent future attacks.
Using a wire, surgeons attach an implant, about the size of a pacemaker, to Fisher's heart. The device monitors the heart's electrical activity, or what's known as EKG, looking for changes that occur before a heart attack.
Fisher says it reminds him "of an on-star warning system."
When EKG changes are detected, the implant vibrates in the patient's chest. The device and pager then send EKG information to a computer, advising the doctor of the patient's condition.
Like many people, Fisher had no idea his heart was failing. He was healthy, active, enjoying retirement and had no symptoms or warning signs.
Heart surgeon Dr. Omid Vahdat says, "These are people that don't have the natural responses that regular people have. They don't get chest pains or chest tightness."
The implant's maker started the clinical trials after hearing from heart patients who were worried about having another attack.
Nick Nudell with AngelMed, the maker of the heart monitor says, "It can be debilitating, where you don't want to leave your home. You don't want to be far away from your doctor's office. So a system like this can provide peace of mind."
Doctors say it is promising technology. For Bruce Fisher, it could be the promise of a better future.
14 hospitals are participating in clinical trials of the device here in the US. To find out more, visit Angel-Med.
Angel-Med can also be found on facebook
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