Bermuda’s first therapeutic plasma exchange has taken place — with patients no longer required to travel overseas.

Local patient David DeSilva, the first to undergo the procedure at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, reported a dramatic improvement just one day after treatment for his rare blood disorder.

It was performed by Bermuda Hospitals Board consultant haematologist Dr Eyitayo Fakunle, Intensive Care Unit clinical manager Veronica Coburn and nurse educator Evelyn Brown.

Mr DeSilva, a photographer and owner of Mall Studio, who has had three treatments, said: “Each time I do it I feel much better.

“I haven’t been feeling good since last September. For several months I’ve experienced fatigue and a lot of pressure in my head. Some days my legs felt heavy like solid blocks on concrete. I would struggle with tiredness just walking in my back yard. Now I feel a lot more energetic. I feel alive again.”

Mr DeSilva is also looking forward to improving his golf game again, saying: “I used to play the front holes but then did badly on the back because I’d be so tired. If I can get back out on the golf course that will be great.”

The procedure is able to treat a few different conditions including: thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, a rare blood disorder; acute Guillian Barré syndrome, a collection of clinical syndromes; myasthenia gravis, a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease; and hyperviscosity syndromes where the blood thickens.

BHB Chief of Staff Dr Michael Weitekamp said: “We are pleased to provide this treatment in our facility. It means better outcomes for patients as they can be attended to sooner and with less interruption to their normal routine. In this case the patient was not even required to stay overnight in the hospital.”

Therapeutic plasma exchange replaces plasma, the liquid portion of the blood. BHB refers between two and four people a year for the treatment which, up to this point, was required to take place overseas.

Dr Fakunle, BHB nurses, and chief of anaesthesiology, Dr Richard Hammond, were trained on existing equipment in the Intensive Care Unit. The equipment is a multifunctional portable dialysis machine, which was used to deliver the three-treatment set to the patient last week.

Mr DeSilva added: “The doctors fully explained the procedure to me, making me aware of the benefits and possible side effects, and the nurses have been great. I want to thank them for my care.

“It was a lot more convenient than going away. I had access to my family and my normal life. I went into the studio and did some work between my treatments.

“Apart from having a catheter inserted and a few needle pricks, I was very comfortable. I was able to have my lunch, read my golf magazines, make phone calls and just use it as a day to relax.”