Heart patient goes home hours after live-streamed valve replacement

Sheffield cardiologists demonstrate cutting-edge TAVI procedure

Cardiologists at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have performed a cutting-edge heart valve replacement procedure live to an international audience.

The streamlined transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) highlighted Sheffield’s leading role in cardiovascular research and allowed Christopher Wild, 80, to go home within hours of having his faulty heart valve fixed.

Diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis, Christopher hoped the procedure would add “years to his lifespan”. The procedure was broadcast to over 1,000 cardiologists worldwide and performed by a specialist team at the South Yorkshire Cardiothoracic Centre using the light-touch TAVI pathway.

Severe aortic stenosis, a condition that narrows the heart valve and restricts blood flow, is common among the elderly. Christopher participated in three research projects at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, including the British Heart Foundation’s Protect TAVI trial, the UK Hydra valve registry, and the multinational EASY-As trial. These studies aim to improve care for patients with severe aortic valve disease.

Despite initially having no symptoms, Christopher’s condition put him at high risk of heart failure. He praised the TAVI team, saying, “I can see nothing but benefit in my case. I was a little anxious, but the treatment was first class. It was a tough procedure to go through, and I’m still taking it easy, but to go home on the same day, help free up a bed for the NHS and have the luxury of coming home to welcoming arms; I count my blessings.”

Admitted at 7.30am and discharged by 6pm, Christopher’s procedure started at 10.30am and lasted three hours.

TAVI offers a less invasive alternative to open-heart surgery, especially for elderly patients. While open-heart surgery remains the gold standard for younger patients, TAVI provides comparable results with quicker recovery.