A NEW high-tech scanner, which will benefit hundreds of patients, including many from West Devon, has been presented to the South West Cardiothoracic Centre, following a successful fundraising campaign by two charities.

The 3D Heart Appeal was a partnership between the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and the local charity, HeartSWell South West, which supports heart patients, their families and carers across the South West.

It was set up to raise almost £100,000 to purchase a 3D transoesophageal echocardiograph (TOE) scanner for the centre at Derriford Hospital.

The scanner provides detailed images of the heart from a probe that is passed into the oesophagus. From there, the ribs and breastbone do not get in the way.

It gives valuable information about valve and muscle function that can be important in very sick patients.

This enables potentially life-threatening heart conditions to be diagnosed quickly and accurately.

Owen Penney, fundraising volunteer manager for the BHF, said: 'With thousands of families in and around Devon and Cornwall having to live with the trauma of a loved one with heart disease, it is essential that the hospital is equipped to provide the best possible treatment.'

Rachel Rainbird, HeartSWell South West's charity liaison officer, added: 'We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the general public to help us to raise £30,000 towards the 3D TOE scanner in such a short time — a truly tremendous effort in the current financial climate.'