Blood flows out of the heart and into the aorta through the aortic valve which opens up so blood can flow out and then closes to stop any blood from flowing backwards.
Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement can be used to treat patients with narrow or leaking valves who are often referred to the hospital after experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath.
Patients are left with minimal scarring as the procedure is performed through small incisions using a technique similar to keyhole surgery.
Previously surgeons had to split open the whole breast bone to gain access to the valve and the resulting wound would take several months to heal.
Our results show nine out of ten patients have no limitations and normal mobility back within six weeks. We see patients recover much quicker and we are reducing the length of time they have to stay in hospital. It also reduces bleeding so we do not have to transfuse as much blood.”
Cardiothoracic surgeon Enoch Akowuah