Ramsay Newsroom

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is performed on certain patients who have been diagnosed with aortic stenosis, which is the narrowing of the aortic valve opening, causing severe breathlessness.  

The TAVI procedure, which typically takes under an hour, allows specialists to gain access through a small incision via the femoral artery in the groin.

Interventional cardiologists can insert and implant an aortic valve into the heart, using a catheter through the incision, removing the need for open heart surgery. 

85-year-old Cornelis Witjes was one of the first to undergo the procedure at St George Private Hospital.

The retired architect was diagnosed with a heart murmur when he was 45 years old, but it wasn’t until recently that he started to struggle with physical activity. 

His GP referred him to interventional cardiologist Dr James Roy for management of aortic stenosis. Further testing revealed an additional diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

Dr Roy said: “Cornelis was offered open heart surgery or the TAVI procedure and he chose the latter non-invasive option. He was able to go home two days after the operation.”  
  
Dr Roy and fellow interventional cardiologist Dr Mark Sader completed the first procedures together at St George Private Hospital, alongside anaesthetist Dr Pamela Salerno and cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Sheen Peeceeyen.

“This is a great milestone for the hospital and, more importantly, for patients who are interested in exploring TAVI as a potential treatment option.”

“We are very lucky to have a dedicated team of very experienced and senior cardiac nurses both assisting with the procedure and in-patient after care,” Dr Roy said.  

It is estimated St George Private Hospital will complete more than 50 TAVI procedures each year.