St John of God Subiaco Hospital performs 400th Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation procedure milestone
St John of God Subiaco Hospital is proud to announce a significant achievement in cardiac care, having recently successfully performed its 400th Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedure.
11 Apr 2024
Pictured: St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s TAVI team before the 400th TAVI procedure.
TAVI is a minimally invasive procedure which allows elderly patients with aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aortic valve opening, to avoid traditional open heart surgery and benefit from less discomfort and quicker recovery times – often enabling patients to return to normal activities within days rather than weeks.
Symptoms of aortic stenosis include shortness of breath, chest pain, lack of energy and dizziness, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat, and can significantly impact patients’ quality of life. Once symptoms develop, patients face a heightened risk of mortality, making it crucial to address the condition promptly.
At St John of God Subiaco Hospital, the decision to perform a TAVI procedure is guided by a collaborative effort between Cardiothoracic Surgeons, Interventional Cardiologists, General Physicians and/or Geriatricians, and Anesthetists. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that each patient receives personalised care and the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to their unique needs.
Established in late 2017 through the generosity of a private donor via the St John of God Foundation, the hospital’s TAVI Program has been instrumental in transforming the lives of many individuals impacted by aortic stenosis and offering them much needed hope.
The hospital’s 400th TAVI patient, 86 year old William Handscombe, is a shining example of how patients can benefit from the procedure.
Just three days after his procedure, William felt well enough to travel down to Augusta to enjoy time with his family.
“I couldn’t fault anything about my hospital experience. The hospital was very good and the staff were particularly courteous and supportive,” he said.
Reflecting on his life-saving procedure, he said how grateful he was, adding, “I am happy to be where I am now, that’s for sure.”
St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s multi-disciplinary TAVI Team is led by esteemed Cardiothoracic Surgeon Associate Professor Jurgen Passage and Interventional Cardiologists Dr. Eric Yamen and Dr. Michael Muhlmann.
Comprised of highly experienced nurses, allied health professionals, and spearheaded by the capable and affable TAVI Coordinator, Robert Lampard, the team ensures seamless patient care. Robert plays a pivotal role in supporting each patient's journey, providing pre-procedural education, overseeing their stay, and facilitating comprehensive aftercare.
A/Prof Jurgen Passage expressed his pride in the team's accomplishments.
"TAVI is a crucial procedure for individuals who are unsuitable candidates for open-heart surgery. Reaching this milestone reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional patient care and improving outcomes for those in our community," he said.
A/Prof Passage also emphasised that the personalised support provided to TAVI patients, both before and after the procedure, ensures they have a seamless and comfortable experience throughout their surgical journey.
“This dedication to patient-centric, innovative care has contributed to St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s reputation as a center of excellence in the treatment of structural heart disease,” he said.
As part of St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s commitment to delivering leading cardiac care and services to the community, plans are progressing to introduce a state-of-the-art Heart Centre onsite. The dedicated Heart Centre will be housed within a new eight-storey clinical building, which is being constructed during the next stage of the hospital’s major redevelopment project.
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