The Belfast Health Trust has recalled more than 160 patients fitted with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) devices between 2007 and 2023. A review found some may have received the procedure without medical need. The devices were implanted by cardiologist Dr Ernest Lau.

CRT devices treat advanced heart conditions by synchronizing contractions in the heart's lower chambers. The trust confirmed the devices remain safe. Affected patients require no immediate action.

A patient complaint in 2023 led the trust to contact the Royal College of Physicians. The college conducted an independent review of cases from 2007 onward. It agreed with concerns over Lau's decisions to implant the devices in certain patients.

Colleagues raised issues about Lau in 2020. The trust took no action until the 2023 complaint.

From 684 CRT implant cases reviewed, 163 met recall criteria set by the college. The trust is contacting patients in small groups by letter. Some have attended consultations with cardiologists. Others can request appointments.

Lau remains a trust employee but has not treated patients for three years during the review. The trust is also examining records of deceased patients. No links to issues have been found so far.

The trust opened an advice line on 028 9615 0100 from 09:00 to 20:00 on Friday 15 May and 10:00 to 14:00 on Saturday and Sunday 17 May.