Heart patient well enough to start high school after ‘game-changer’ procedureExperts said the procedure is a ‘significant step forward’ for children and young people.Alyssa was well enough to start high school in August (Pamela Ferrie/PA)Lucinda Cameron3 minutes ago
An 11-year-old girl was well enough to start high school with her friends after becoming one of the first children in Scotland to undergo a pioneering heart valve procedure.
Alyssa Ferrie, from Bargeddie, North Lanarkshire, is one of the first paediatric patients in Scotland to receive a new self-expanding VenusP valve, which was inserted using a minimally invasive procedure.
She has previously undergone open-heart surgery, but the new technology helped her avoid that and recover more quickly.
Alyssa was born with severe pulmonary valve stenosis, a congenital heart condition that affected blood flow from her heart to her lungs and meant her heart had to work harder to pump blood around her body.
Alyssa with her mother Pamela Ferrie (Pamela Ferrie/PA)
Since birth, she has lived with multiple heart conditions and three years ago underwent major open-heart surgery after developing an aneurysm in her aorta, with a long and challenging recovery period after the operation.
Her mother Pamela Ferrie said: “Alyssa had open-heart surgery three years ago and she ended up in hospital for five weeks afterwards.
“She was in intensive care for three-and-a-half weeks, and in an induced coma for two weeks with two collapsed lungs and sepsis.
“This had led to Alyssa having lots of anxiety so when we heard she needed surgery again we were obviously very worried. I think we’ve got a bit of PTSD from the last open-heart surgery.
“So to find out we had the option of this new procedure, which is much less invasive, was just amazing.
“It has helped massively, not just with her physical recovery but also mentally.”
The new procedure, carried out at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, allows cardiology specialists to replace a damaged pulmonary valve through a small tube inserted into a vein, rather than through open-heart surgery.
The valve is then guided into position before expanding inside the heart and immediately taking over the function of the damaged valve.
Read More
Andy Burnham joins King and Queen at church service in Scotland
UK economy expected to have dipped in July despite World Cup boost
Malcolm Offord pledges to review ‘nuts’ income tax system in Scotland
Art After Dark is back with an exciting calendar of cultural events
Mrs Ferrie said there was a big difference in her daughter’s recovery after the procedure, which was carried out in late June this year.
She said: “She was home within two days. Even when she woke up after the procedure she was mobile straight away. It was a complete game changer, to be honest.
“She was out playing the week after her surgery, back out with her friends.
“She started high school this month. That had been a worry of ours – if she’d had open-heart surgery she probably wouldn’t have been able to start high school at the same time as all of her friends.
“It’s been completely different from the last time round.
“With her heart conditions, it comes with a lot of anxiety, but she’s getting there.”
The procedure was carried out at the Royal Hospital for Children (NHSGGC/PA)
Experts said that the new procedure can bring benefits for suitable patients by offering a less invasive alternative to repeat open-heart surgeries.
Dr Mohammad Ryan Abumehdi, consultant interventional paediatric and congenital cardiologist for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde at the Royal Hospital for Children, said: “The introduction of self-expanding pulmonary valve technology is a significant step forward for children and young people with congenital heart disease in Scotland.
“For carefully selected patients, this procedure allows us to replace a failing pulmonary valve without the need for an open-heart operation.
“That can mean a much shorter hospital stay, a faster recovery and less disruption to family life.”
Jamie Redfern, director of the Royal Hospital for Children, added: “This milestone demonstrates our commitment to bringing the latest evidence-based treatments to children and young people across Scotland.
“By introducing new minimally invasive technologies, we can improve patients’ experiences while reducing the need for major surgery and lengthy hospital admissions.”
MORE ABOUT