LEICESTER, England, February 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

In a UK first, experts from Glenfield Hospital have repaired a dysfunctional heart valve by inserting a tiny implant measuring just 23mm in size.  

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The pioneering system gives surgeons improved control of the valve throughout the keyhole procedure, enabling increased precision and the ability to reposition or retrieve the valve, even after insertion if necessary.

The Lotus™ Valve System was used in a TAVI (Trans catheter aortic valve implants) procedure to treat aortic stenosis in November 2013. It is less invasive than open heart surgery and does not require general anaesthetic, meaning the patient is fully conscious throughout.

Aortic stenosis is a life-threatening condition where thickening and stiffening in the heart valve prevents it from opening and closing as it should. It affects approximately three percent of the population over the age of 65 and five percent of people older than 75.

Dr Jan Kovac, consultant cardiologist at Leicester's Hospitals, said: "It is great to be part of the first team in the UK to successfully use the Lotus Valve System. This is further recognition of the work done by the pioneering cardiac team at Glenfield Hospital."

Multiple specialities, including the cardiology team, cardiac surgeons, radiology, nurses and anaesthetic support, worked closely together to successfully carry out this procedure.

Jan continued: "This new generation of keyhole surgery further expands options for future patients. Until recently there were no or very limited options to help those with this life limiting condition, who are considered inoperable or too high risk for cardiac surgery."

Developed and produced by leading medical solutions company, Boston Scientific, the Lotus™ Valve System also employs a unique Adaptive Seal™ feature, designed to minimise the Paravalvular Leakage (PVL). PVL is a complication associated with implantation of a prosthetic heart valve and is one of the main causes of death in heart valve replacement procedures.

Jane Healy, vice president of Medical Affairs at Boston Scientific, said:  "The Lotus Valve System offers a unique and effective new treatment alternative for patients with severe aortic stenosis at high risk with surgical valve replacement. This is the first commercial implant of the valve in the UK following our CE mark approval in October 2013 and we are delighted to offer our congratulations to the team at Glenfield Hospital".

The first patient who underwent this ground-breaking surgery in November 2013 was Mrs Elizabeth Rowland, 84, from Leicestershire. Elizabeth could hardly walk before the surgery but having recovered extremely well, she can now walk around freely. 

Elizabeth comments: "I'm so pleased to have had this operation - it has given me a new lease of life. I can move about more and I don't need quite so much medication. The care I received was excellent too, everyone was lovely. I'm pleased to be one of the first in the UK to have this procedure."

The cardiac department at Glenfield Hospital treat patients from the East Midlands, as well as patients from across the UK and overseas.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Rosalind Ward
Communications Officer
Leicester's Hospital
+44(0)116-258-8524
Rosalind.Ward@uhl-tr.nhs.uk

SOURCE University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust