Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital’s (SCUPH) ‘heart team’ has celebrated its 500th Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedure this week, after becoming the first regional Australian location to roll out an accredited TAVI program in 2019.
The TAVI procedure is a minimally invasive alternative to open heart surgery for patients suffering from severe aortic stenosis. The narrowed aortic valve is replaced using an artificial valve delivered via a catheter placed through the femoral artery in the groin.
Interventional cardiologist, Dr Peter Larsen, said he was proud to see the team reach this significant milestone so quickly.
“It’s a testament to the skills and dedication of the “heart team” at SCUPH – the nurses, allied health staff, cardiac catheterisation lab team, and doctors who work together for each TAVI operation. We have a world class cardiac team here at SCUPH,” Dr Larsen said.
“I’ve worked in theatres all around the world and the team at SCUPH is exceptional. We have had some urgent, emergency cases and the team has always been there to make sure we look after every patient regardless of the time or day.”
Dr Larsen said the TAVI is designed to offer a shorter hospital stay and recovery time as well as less scarring than open heart surgery. He believes it is extremely important for this procedure to be available on the Sunshine Coast.
“It’s so important, not just for the patient who can have treatment close to home, but also their family and caregivers, who can visit and look after the patient pre and post procedure without the need to travel 100+ kilometres.”
SCUPH CEO, Peter Fahey, said hospital operator, Ramsay Health Care, was committed to offering patients access to leading private health care options, close to home.
“We’re committed to offering Sunshine Coast locals access to modern surgical options designed to improve patient experience and outcomes.”
