Pioneering Heart Surgery Success

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A Northern Ireland man has become the first person in the country to have pioneering heart surgery carried out. As an alternative to open heart surgery, 82-year-old Jim Anderson underwent an operation to replace a percutaneous aortic valve at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast last year. The procedure, which involves a synthetic valve being transported to the heart through a small hole made in the groin, is less invasive, meaning that the elderly and other groups of patients considered at risk, can avail of this life-enhancing procedure.

Mr Anderson had previously undergone a bypass following a heart attack in the late 1990s. And recently, following a visit to specialists, it was agreed that he could have this pioneering surgery. The procedure which took place on February 6 last year was carried out by a Consultant Cardiologist. In the past, the only option available for high risk elderly patients was open heart surgery which would have required a prolonged hospital stay after their operation to recover. And now that a year has passed since the operation Mr Anderson told me that he feels like a new person.

“It had never been done here (Northern Ireland) before so it was up to myself whether or not I wanted it carried out. It’s fine for young people to have the open heart surgery but because I am 82, it couldn’t be done. I feel great now, a new person,” he said.

Mr Anderson, who only spent six days in the Royal Victoria Hospital, is active for his age and enjoys being out and about and working in the garden. Funding for the first year of procedures carried out by cardiologists at the Belfast hospital has been provided by Ulster Garden Villages, a local charitable organisation.

“I feel great, first class,” added Mr Anderson. “My heart’s pumping away like a good one!”