Harefield Hospital’s transformative heart surgery has been featured in a popular TV documentary series.
The programme followed patient 30-year-old Enzo, who needed an aortic valve replacement, and the life-changing surgery he received from a team led by Mr Toufan Bahrami, consultant cardiac surgeon.
Inside DHL: The World’s biggest delivery company followed Enzo as he underwent minimally invasive valve surgery. The replacement valves are sourced from over 350 miles away in the Netherlands. The documentary, on Channel 5, followed the 18-hour journey from Eindhoven to Heathrow via Brussels and Calais, and then to Harefield Hospital where they arrived into the safe hands of Mr Bahrami. Enzo’s valve was replaced through a small incision in the middle of his chest, with a replacement made with tissue from a cow.
The team at Harefield was one of the first in the world to implant this type of valve. The new valve provides younger, active patients with an alternative option to mechanical valves that require life-long anticoagulation with blood thinners. It is designed to last up to 30 years.
Commenting on the procedure, Mr Bahrami said: “As one of Europe’s leading specialist centres for the treatment of heart valve disease we offer some of the most pioneering innovation in minimally invasive surgery. This new valve is a game-changer and is ideal for young patients just like Enzo who need an aortic valve replacement.” Harefield Hospital has been at the forefront of minimally invasive cardiac surgery including aortic and mitral valve repair and replacement, and bypass surgery. More than 3,000 procedures have been performed at the hospital through keyhole surgery since 2000.
This new valve is a game-changer and is ideal for young patients who need an aortic valve replacement.