The cardiology team at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) has performed the first ever Venus P-Valve implant in the country. The self-expanding pulmonary valve is delivered via transcatheter approach (via leg vein) without the need for open heart surgery.
Led by cardiologist and director of structural intervention at the RMH, Dr William Wilson, says this procedure marks a significant advancement in care for patients with congenital heart disease.
“This is an exciting development for patients with congenital heart disease here in Australia,” said Dr Wilson.
“Until now, pulmonary valve replacement in the majority of patients has necessitated open heart surgery, which can be high risk, in particular given these have usually had multiple prior operations,” he said.
“However, with this new self-expanding valve technology, we can perform this procedure through a vein in the leg, which is much less invasive and allows for a quicker recovery,” he added.
For long-term RMH patient, Jennifer, it has been a long time coming to receive this type of implant.
“It’s because of this procedure that I have been given a second chance at life,” said Jennifer.
“I am incredibly grateful for Dr Wilson and his team,” she added.
Dr Wilson was supported by paediatric cardiologist, Dr Lucas Eastaugh and cardiologist Dr Worakan Promhan.
We provide a media service from 6am to 9pm each day. Journalists are welcome to contact our media adviser on-call via the RMH Switchboard on (03) 9342 7000.
During business hours, journalists can email mh-communications@mh.org.au. We do not respond to emails outside business hours.