A groundbreaking new procedure to treat patients with severe heart valve disease who are at risk of stroke has been carried out for the first time in the UK at Newcastle Hospitals.
Josephine Davison, 66, from Dinnington, took early retirement last year after a period of persistent breathlessness led to a diagnosis of heart failure. During her hospital stay, Josephine suffered a stroke, and subsequent scans revealed a blood clot on her aortic valve — making traditional treatment options highly risky.
However, in a UK-first procedure at the Freeman Hospital, Josephine underwent a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) using an innovative device known as the FLOWer. This cutting-edge technology offers a new solution for patients previously considered too high-risk for the minimally invasive procedure.
TAVI is a well-established treatment for aortic stenosis — a condition in which the heart’s aortic valve becomes narrowed, restricting blood flow. The procedure involves threading a new valve to the heart via a catheter inserted in the upper leg. While thousands of TAVIs have been performed in Newcastle — with a record number of over 470 in the last year — patients like Josephine, with a history of stroke or clots, have often been excluded due to the heightened risk of further complications.
The FLOWer device is a breakthrough in this regard. Shaped like a flower, the device contains a fine mesh that expands within the aorta to catch any tiny fragments of debris that may break loose during the TAVI procedure. Without such protection, these particles could travel to the brain and trigger another stroke.
Consultant cardiologist at the Freeman Hospital, Dr Mohammad Alkhalil, who performed the procedure on Josphine, said: “The use of the FLOWer device during TAVI is revolutionary. It allows us to offer lifesaving valve replacement to patients we previously couldn’t treat due to the risk of stroke. In Josephine’s case, the device allowed us to capture all clot fragments safely. She has made an excellent recovery and avoided further strokes — that’s a huge step forward.”
Josephine added: “I was understandably nervous about the procedure at first but when the team explained how this new device worked, it gave me hope. I feel so lucky to have had access to something so advanced as it has saved my life.
“I’m back home now and looking forward to finally enjoying my retirement and spending time with my daughters. I’m walking more each day and I’m really starting to feel like myself again – thank you to the team who made it possible.”
The procedure marks a significant milestone in UK cardiovascular care, potentially opening the door for many more high-risk patients to receive TAVI safely in the future.
Dr Alkhalil added: “This is just the beginning. Devices like FLOWer are redefining what’s possible in heart valve treatment, and we’re proud Newcastle is leading the way.”
Stefano Osta, Sales & Marketing Manager at Aorticlab added: “FLOWer was specifically designed to provide an additional level of protection for patients undergoing TAVI and this case represents a moment of great pride for us.
“We are fully aware that such outcomes would not be possible without the commitment and clinical vision of highly skilled professionals such as Dr Mohammad Alkhalil and the entire team at Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. We also send our warmest wishes to Josephine for a smooth recovery. Knowing she is back on her feet, regaining her strength, gives profound meaning to our daily work.”
