Health and wellbeing – Page 14 – The NEN

Scots know if their loved ones prefer ketchup over brown sauce – but not their organ donation decision

New Scottish Government campaign encourages people to make their own organ and tissue donation decision and ‘Have the Chat’ with those close to them
Organ and Tissue Donation Week runs from 23rd-29th September, with 2024 marking 30 life-saving years of the NHS Organ Donor Register
Campaign reminds people of the choices they have under Scotland’s opt out system of organ and tissue donation

The Scottish Government has launched a new campaign to mark Organ and Tissue Donation Week (23rd-29th September 2024), encouraging more people to make a choice about their organ donor decision and, importantly, ‘Have the Chat’ with their loved ones about their choice.

The new ‘Have the Chat’ campaign comes as research[1] reveals that while more people in Scotland know if their family and friends prefer tomato or brown sauce – fewer know their organ and tissue donation decision.

When polled, members of the public were more likely to say they knew their loved ones’ coffee order or whether they’re a dog or a cat person, rather than if they’d want to donate their organs and tissue.

Findings also revealed that while more than three quarters (77%) of respondents know their loved ones religious or spiritual beliefs, only half (51%) are aware of their organ and tissue donation decision.

To launch the campaign, former Miss Scotland and radio presenter, Keryn Matthew took to the streets of the capital to encourage members of the public to ‘Have the Chat’ with their own family and friends.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the NHS Organ Donor Register and celebrates the thousands of lives that have been saved thanks to people agreeing to the gift of organ donation. With many still awaiting transplants, it remains vital for people to confirm their organ and tissue donation decision.

Under Scotland’s opt out system of organ and tissue donation, Organ and Tissue Donation Week serves as a reminder for people to make their choices known and not leave their loved ones in doubt.

Nobody understands the importance of the gift of donation more than 29-year-old Martin Dillet, who underwent four liver transplants before the age of 30. The father of two has shared his story to highlight the life-saving impact it had for him.

Martin said: “I was diagnosed with a rare liver disease as a baby and had my first transplant at just three years old. Things went back to normal after that – I had a great childhood and went on to meet my wife, Danielle in 2012 before welcoming our first daughter in 2021.

“I always thought of my donor over the years. It wasn’t a conscious thought process – more a constant sense of being grateful for a second chance a life. However, in 2023, my health started to deteriorate rapidly and doctors discovered that the liver that had kept me alive for 25 years was failing.

“Things moved pretty quickly after that and I ended up going into full liver failure and was placed back on the transplant list at the same time as we were preparing for the birth of our second child. What should have been one of our happiest times as a family became one of the most anxious as we waited to hear that a liver had become available.

“Thankfully, we received a phone call and I received my transplant in September 2023. Everything went well with the operation, but unfortunately by the next day it became clear that my new liver wasn’t working. It’s an extremely rare complication and the only option was for me to go back on the list.

“We got the news that a new liver was available and I went back into surgery. This time it became immediately clear that the new liver wasn’t working properly. Doctors made the difficult decision to remove my liver entirely and I was added to the transplant list for a fourth time.

“We were nearly out of hope, but after 36 hours with no liver, I received my third liver transplant all within the space of five days.

“This time, everything went well and after being in a coma for 18 days I finally woke up and was reunited with my family. Danielle and I are so sincerely thankful to all my donors and their families.

“It’s so unfortunate that two of my transplants didn’t take, but it doesn’t change what my donors did for me and there are no words to describe how much it means to us.

“They gave me a chance to be here for my girls, Georgia and Amber, to see them both grow up.”

People in Scotland can choose to be a donor, or to opt out. If people aged 16 and over choose to do nothing, it may be assumed that they agree to be a donor if they die in circumstances where donation is possible, unless they are in a group for whom the opt out system does not apply or it would be against their views.

Data shows that 90% of families would support organ and tissue donation if their loved one had confirmed their decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register[4]; however, over two in five (43%) are yet to register their choice[5].

James Powell, Associate Medical Director, Surgical Services, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Consultant Transplant Surgeon, NHS Lothian, said: “Martin’s story is incredibly inspiring and we wish him and his family all the very best.

“If you participate in any part of transplantation, you know that every transplant takes a full team including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, donor services and family members, all working together.

“Most important though is the generosity of organ donors who have given the ultimate gift of life. With their gift, and the support of family members in achieving their loved one’s wishes, the Scottish Liver Transplant Unit has been able to help many patients.”

The NHS Organ Donor Register was set up to promote organ donation and allow people to record their decision to donate.

It was the result of a five-year campaign by John Cox and his daughter Christine after their son and brother, Peter, died in 1989. He had asked for his organs to be used to help others.

To find out more and register your decision, visit the NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.scot.

NHSGGC issues top tips for staying safe and healthy as colder weather arrives

With the summer over and autumn well and truly upon us, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is asking people to prepare for staying safe in the cold weather.

Cold weather and icy conditions can bring with them a range of risks, but by following a few simple steps people can protect themselves from slips, trips and cold-related health issues.

And to help with its seasonal campaign, NHSGGC has created a new character – someone who’s more used to the worst of the winter weather than most – to get the message across in a fun, easy-to-understand way.

Petey Penguin was the brainchild of Laura Halcrow, Falls Prevention Lead at NHSGGC, and was inspired by a particularly cold snap last winter. She said: “Last winter, on the coldest day of the year, our Falls Team shared advice on how to get about on icy pavements by Walking Like a Penguin.

“The stories we shared really caught the public imagination – in fact, our team even ended up appearing on the TV news – and people all over the west of Scotland were soon Walking Like a Penguin to help prevent slips and trips.

“With the cold weather about to return, we thought what better way to help the public this winter than to capitalise on our success – and just like that Petey was born.”

Throughout the winter, Petey Penguin will feature regularly in social media messages, giving people advice and information on a range of seasonal issues such as:

Appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions.
Keeping fit, active and warm.
Preparing your home for winter.
Making sure walking aids and other mobility equipment are fit for the cold weather.
Medication advice.

And, of course …

Walking like a penguin!

Laura Halcrow said: “The safety and wellbeing of our communities is a top priority for us, and while slips, falls and other seasonal problems are a major issue as winter approaches, there is plenty we can do to help prevent the cold weather resulting in a visit to hospital.

“That’s why we have produced advice on simple actions that you can take to keep yourself or a loved one strong, steady and safe this winter and beyond.”

Dr Emilia Crighton, Director of Public Health at NHSGGC, also reminded people that, in the majority of cases involving slips and trips, going to A&E may not be appropriate.

She said: “A&E is there to help the sickest people and treat the most urgent emergencies, and we would always advise anyone who thinks their condition or injury is very urgent or life-threatening to call 999 or go to A&E immediately.

“However, most falls and trips do not require treatment at A&E – and in fact you might be asked to seek help elsewhere if you arrive at A&E inappropriately.

“If assessment is required, our Minor Injuries Units are often best placed to carry that out, so we would urge anyone who has suffered a fall to call NHS24 on 111. They will be able to give you the advice you need, including directing you to a Minor Injuries Unit if required.”

As winter approaches, NHSGGC is urging members of the public to familiarise themselves with the most appropriate places to access care – often from the comfort of your own home or right on your doorstep.

In fact, they are reminding people that accessing the right care is as easy as ABC:

Ask yourself: Do I need to go out? For information on keeping yourself well and treating minor illnesses and injuries from home, go to NHS Inform or download the NHS24 app.
Be aware: There is help on your doorstep. Your local GP, pharmacy, dentist or optician offer a range of services. Pharmacies provide these services without the need for an appointment.
Call 111: If it’s urgent, or you’re not sure, call NHS24 on 111. They’ll make sure you get the help you need.

Unless it’s an emergency, please think ABC before going to A&E.

For more about staying safe this winter, go to NHS inform

For more information on the best ways to access care, go to the NHSGGC website

Healthy Heart Tip: Know your numbers

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: Know your numbers

When was the last time you had your blood pressure checked? Around one in three people in the UK have high blood pressure, and around six million people are unaware that they have it. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, often doesn’t have any symptoms meaning that you wouldn’t know you had it unless you got it checked by a health professional or checked it yourself.

Several different factors affect your blood pressure, including physical activity, diet and genetics. Following a healthy or unhealthy lifestyle can impact your blood pressure readings. Everyone should aim for their blood pressure to be within a healthy range throughout the day especially at resting.

Here we give more information on blood pressure and the risks of hypertension.

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood on the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood around your body.

Systolic blood pressure is the first (or top) reading that you get on the BP monitor and the higher number of the two. This is the maximum reading recorded when your heart contracts.

Diastolic blood pressure is the second (or bottom) reading that’s on the monitor. This is the minimum recorded reading when your heart relaxes prior to the next contraction.

Blood pressure readings

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm/Hg) and is written in a form of systolic over diastolic.

A healthy blood pressure range is a reading below the healthy range is classed as having low blood pressure, and a reading from 121-140 systolic or 81-90 mm/Hg diastolic is within a raised range.

If your blood pressure is above this, then you have high blood pressure and need to visit your GP. High readings range from 141-160 systolic or 91-100 mm/Hg diastolic, with very high readings being anything above 160 or above 100 mm/Hg.

Risks of hypertension

Having high blood pressure increases your risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Uncontrolled high blood pressure damages the walls of your blood vessels, which results in plaque build-up and can lead to coronary heart disease or strokes.

It also damages the heart muscle due to it needing to work over-time, which can lead to heart failure.

Reducing your blood pressure

Physical activity and exercise are one of the best ways to strengthen your heart and reduce your blood pressure. Aim to carry out at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week.

Dietary factors such as consuming high amounts of salt and sugar increase your blood pressure and can influence weight gain. An easy way to reduce your blood pressure readings is by reducing your consumption of these by opting for low salt and sugar versions of foods, making sure you’re reading the food labels on packaging.

Consuming too much alcohol and smoking can increase your blood pressure too, so reducing these and stopping where possible will help your heart massively.

ROSPA: Falls Awareness Week

Falls Prevention Awareness Week 23 – 27 September

For #FallsAwarenessWeek, RoSPA ran a Fall Fighter awareness session with some of our colleagues at HQ!

Anyone can become a Fall Fighter – taking part is simple and requires no prior knowledge. The materials are designed for quick and effective delivery, with an average completion time of just 15-20 minutes.

Visit our website to find out more and download our FREE Fall Fighter training resources: : https://www.rospa.com/…/falls-prevention/fall-fighter

Water Beads Safety Warning

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has recently issued a Safety Alert, highlighting the potential risks that water beads pose to children and vulnerable adults. RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) fully supports this important alert and encourages everyone to take necessary precautions when using or handling water beads.

Water beads, often marketed as jelly balls, sensory beads, or water crystals, are small beads that can expand up to 400 times their original size when exposed to liquid.

Though popular for use in toys, decorations, and sensory play, they can present serious dangers, particularly for young children under 5 and vulnerable individuals, such as those with special educational needs or disabilities.

The Risks of Water Beads

The main concern with water beads is their ability to expand when swallowed. Once inside the body, they can block the gastrointestinal tract, leading to severe complications that may require surgical intervention. The risk of choking is also significant, as small children often explore by putting objects in their mouths. Reports have linked water beads to injuries in the UK, and there have even been fatal cases overseas.

Another alarming aspect of water beads is their difficulty to detect if ingested. They are not visible on X-rays, meaning early symptoms may go unnoticed. It is crucial to be aware of signs of ingestion or choking and to seek immediate medical attention if a bead is swallowed. Symptoms can include vomiting, stomach pain, or changes in behaviour, which may appear hours or even days later.

Preventative Measures

RoSPA urges parents, caregivers, educators, and businesses to take the following steps to minimise the risks posed by water beads:

Keep water beads away from young children: For children under 5, water beads should be stored out of sight and reach to prevent accidental ingestion or choking.
Avoid using water beads in homes or settings with young children: Caregivers should avoid having water beads in environments where young children are present, even if they are intended for older children or adults. This helps reduce the likelihood of accidents, as younger children are prone to putting objects in their mouths.
Supervise closely when using water beads: If water beads are used by older children or vulnerable individuals, they should be supervised closely. Ensure that no beads have been left behind after play or use, and limit the number of beads available at any one time.
Know the signs of ingestion or choking: Be on the lookout for symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. Choking signs may include grasping the neck, a change in skin colour, or distress. If you suspect ingestion, seek medical help immediately, and if possible, bring a sample of the product for identification.

Stay Informed for Safety

RoSPA encourages all caregivers, educators, and businesses to remain alert to the risks of water beads and to take action where needed. The OPSS has already taken steps to remove unsafe products from the market, but everyone plays a role in ensuring these risks are minimised in homes, schools, and beyond.

Phil Le Shirley, Product Safety Advisor at RoSPA, emphasises the importance of awareness: “Water beads may seem harmless, but they pose a real and often hidden danger to young children and vulnerable adults.

“We strongly urge parents and caregivers to follow the OPSS guidance and take immediate action to prevent unnecessary injuries or worse.”

For more information and to read the full OPSS Safety Alert, visit the official GOV.UK website.

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National Playlist Day: Create the Soundtrack of Your Life

Today is #NationalPlaylistDay.

Playlists of personally meaningful music can improve the lives of those living with dementia, their families and carers.

What songs make up the soundtrack of your life?

Looking for inspiration on what music to add to the soundtrack of your life this #NationalPlaylistDay?

Have a read of the prompts below that can help you think about the songs that have soundtracked your personal story:

Songs from your childhood

Songs that remind you of friends

Songs that make you feel happy

Songs that you danced to at school discos

Songs that are linked to your faith

Songs that are associated with your sports team

Songs from your favourite films and TV shows

Create your playlist today. http://nationalplaylistday.org

NHS Lothian: Students urged to ensure their vaccines are up to date before the new semester starts

Students across Lothian are encouraged to ensure their vaccinations are up to date before heading off to college or university this year.

Infectious diseases such as meningitis, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and measles can spread easily in universities and colleges. Vaccination offers the best protection against these diseases, which is why it’s important to check your vaccines are up to date.

Students are 11 times more likely to develop invasive meningococcal disease, which causes meningitis and septicaemia. The meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccine helps to protect against these very serious diseases. Students who have missed having the vaccine, can get it up to the age of 25 years.

Parts of the UK and other countries in Europe have been seeing an increase in the number of people getting measles, and evidence suggests students are at higher risk. That’s why it’s important to check you’ve had two doses of the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella and has saved over 4,500 lives across the UK.

Pat Wynne, Nurse Director for Primary and Community Care, NHS Lothian, said: “These diseases can be severe and, in some cases, life threatening.

“Students are at increased risk due to the large amounts of mixing with new people in enclosed spaces. Increasing cases of measles and meningococcal disease in particular were observed earlier this year.

“Vaccines are the best way to ensure you’re protected and these are offered for free on the NHS in Scotland. These vaccines are offered as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule however if they’ve been missed, it’s not too late to catch up.

“Ideally, they should be given at least two weeks before the new semester starts.”

There is also still time to get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. It helps protect against HPV-related cancers including head, neck and cervical cancer and also protects against over 90% of genital wart infections. Most students will have had the HPV vaccine at school if eligible but if not, students may still be able to get it up until the age of 25.

To find out about more information about these vaccines, please visit nhsinform.scot/vaccinesforstudents

If you are under 25 years and you’ve missed any vaccinations, call the Vaccination Enquiries Line on 0300 790 6296. If you are 25 or over, call your GP practice. They can check your records and arrange a referral if it is required.

International students may be able to get additional vaccines that were not available where they lived before.

Eye Pavilion to close for six months for urgent plumbing repairs

MSP MILES BRIGGS REPEATS CALL FOR REPLACEMENT EYE HOSPITAL

Urgent repair work will have to be carried out at the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion at the end of October.

Extensive work is required on the plumbing system, meaning that all patient appointments which were scheduled to take place from October 28 will now be moved to other NHS Lothian facilities.

It is anticipated that the PAEP building will be vacated for around six months while contractors replace two waste pipes and remove asbestos material from a sealed cavity where the pipework is located.

The decision to move to other locations temporarily while the work takes place is designed to protect patients, staff and visitors.

Jim Crombie, Deputy Chief Executive, NHS Lothian, said: “We are very sorry for the inconvenience this will cause our patients and it is not a decision we have taken lightly.

“Whilst patients and staff are not at risk, the work is essential and the advice we have received from our contractors is that this can be done more speedily and safely if the building is temporarily vacated.

“Patient and staff safety are always our chief consideration. Our teams are working hard to minimise disruption and to ensure patients continue to be seen and treated throughout this period.”

Teams are currently developing plans to ensure that inpatient and outpatient appointments continue throughout this period and it is expected that all appointments will be held in NHS Lothian facilities.

Patients do not need to do anything differently.

The vast majority of patients due to be seen at the PAEP between now and Friday October 26are unaffected. A very small number of appointments scheduled to take place before then may need to be rescheduled. These patients do not need to do anything as they will be contacted individually by their clinical teams at least two weeks in advance.

Those who already have appointments booked for dates from Monday October 28 will be contacted by letter, text or both in good time to arrange their new appointments, starting with patients who have appointments in the week beginning October 28.

Mr Crombie added: “We are really grateful to all of our patients for their patience and understanding.

“I would like to reassure them they do not need to do anything. All affected patients will be being contacted with details of the new location of their appointment.

“Our staff and teams throughout PAEP are working really hard to make the move as smooth as possible at short notice and I can’t thank them enough.”

Lothian MSP urges residents to make their voices heard over unacceptable lack of a replacement Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has called on Edinburgh and Lothian residents to send a clear message to SNP Ministers and the Scottish Government that the failure to deliver a replacement Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion is unacceptable.

On Tuesday NHS Lothian announced that the eye hospital would be closing for six months due to urgent plumbing repairs (see above).

Previous FOIs to NHS Lothian showed a list of 125 outstanding items of maintenance work, totalling £2.3 million, that needed carried out at the hospital.

Since April 2022 the list of outstanding maintenance work has remained the same, with MSP Miles Briggs, calling the building “unfit for purpose”.

A scheduled visit to the hospital with Lothian MSPs and the Cabinet Secretary for Health is scheduled for next month to see the extent of work required at the hospital and the urgent need for a replacement Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.

Figures from Sight Scotland show that over the last ten years there has been a 230% increase in ongoing waits for ophthalmology outpatients in NHS Lothian. The number of people waiting over sixteen weeks has increased by 5600% and those waiting over 12 weeks has increased by 2752%.

This closure to the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion is only going to worsen ophthalmology waits in NHS Lothian.

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “Residents in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s must let SNP Ministers know how angry they are with the lack of funding being delivered for a replacement Edinburgh Eye hospital

“Waits for Ophthalmology services in NHS Lothian have grown dramatically, especially over the last 3 to 5 years and people are having to wait excessive lengths of time for treatment.

“As with any medical treatment, the sooner that you are seen the better the expected outcome and this is especially the case for ophthalmology.

“People who want to make their voices heard can sign my petition online to restore funding for a new Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.”

If you would like to support Mr Brigg’s petition to reinstate funding for a replacement Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, you can find the petition here:

https://www.edinburghconservatives.org.uk/news/miles-briggs-msp-launches-petition-restore-funding-planned-new-princess-alexandra-eye-pavilion

Caregiver recovers from major surgery with support from her team

Thanks to colleagues who looked after me following my hip replacement

AN EXPERIENCED care home nurse with more than 43 years of service is back at work post-hip replacement – after a being cared for by her own colleagues.

Eileen Crawford, 64, who currently works as the Charge Nurse at luxury care home Cramond Residence underwent the treatment earlier this year after years of arthritic pain.

Upon hearing about her need for surgery, her colleagues and managers immediately offered to help her with her post-operative care, including a stay at the home.

Following the operation, they provided her with a week-inclusive stay, including intensive physiotherapy and wound care, before Eileen continued her recuperation at her home in Edinburgh.

Eileen, who has worked at Cramond Residence for three years said: “I’m incredibly grateful that during my recovery process, I was being treated by my friends and colleagues at Cramond Residence.

“As soon as the team learned about my surgery, they instantly offered me support including transport to and from the hospital as well as post-operative physiotherapy care.

“I’ve seen many patients previously go through these procedures; I was quite anxious about my recovery. However, knowing that I would be receiving this care instantly put my mind at ease, as I knew from working with my colleagues just how professional they are in providing care.”

Eileen was discharged from the Spire Hospital two days after the procedure and transferred to Cramond, where she received five days of intensive physiotherapy and wound care.

The team went above and beyond by offering a tailored plan, ensuring Eileen’s recovery was comfortable and well-supported by familiar staff.

She returned home with improved mobility, and following a period of recuperation has successfully returned to work.

Eileen added: “Cramond Residence made what could have been a daunting recovery process so much easier. Their support allowed me to get back on my feet and return to work much sooner than I expected.

“The care I received was exceptional. From the moment they picked me up from the hospital, I felt completely supported and in good hands, I really can’t thank them enough.”

Ross Bijak, General Manager at Cramond Residence, said: “Eileen does a great job looking after the community here. I’m so glad we were able to pay that back and support her when she needed it.

“It’s brilliant to have her back and to know the team here played a role in her swift recovery.”

Cramond Residence combines luxury accommodation with the highest quality of care, offering a unique small-group living experience within its purpose-built, five-star facility.

With a resident-to-staff ratio designed to ensure personalized attention, the residence provides a range of specialized services, including dementia care, to meet the diverse needs of its residents.

Opened in October 2018 at a cost of £8 million, Cramond Residence continues to deliver outstanding clinical standards in a setting designed for comfort and community.

For more information about Cramond Residence, visit:

https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Thousands of heart valve disease patients may be undiagnosed, ERI specialists warn

FREE HEART SCREENING SERVICE AT ASDA CHESSER ON THURSDAY

Heart valve disease (HVD) is a leading cause of death in Scotland – affecting 73,000 people – but many have the condition without knowing it
Scottish cardiologist is concerned that almost 30,000 people may not know they have HVD which can be life threatening
A free heart check truck is coming to Edinburgh – and hopes to screen over 200 people in just one day!

In Scotland it is estimated that 73,000 people have heart valve disease, but studies suggest that 1 in 3 patients (~26,000) are unaware of it and are undiagnosed.

Disease that affects the valves in the heart, such as aortic stenosis, place individuals at high risk of heart failure and if left untreated could lead to sudden, unexpected death. While HVD can cause symptoms like fatigue, reduced energy levels, and chest pains, it can be symptomless.

This is why the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Glasgow Jubilee Hospital will be offering the people of Scotland free heart checks this week (Thursday 19th September) at the ‘Your Heart Matters’ Truck which will be in Asda Chesser Supercentre, Edinburgh. The truck hopes to check the hearts of over 200 members of the public completely free of charge.

“We would welcome any members of the public aged over 50 to come down and have a free heart check whether they are experiencing symptoms or not,” urges Louise Axten, TAVI and Structural Heart Nurse, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

“We can estimate that in Scotland alone there are almost 30,000 people living with heart valve disease who don’t know it. Undiagnosed and untreated heart conditions like aortic stenosis can be fatal.”

Despite the serious risks associated with heart valve disease, treatment rates remain worryingly low. Scotland has two of the best cardiac units in the world, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Golden Jubilee Hospital in Glasgow, which perform pioneering heart treatments such as TAVI and TEER and keyhole surgeries like SAVR.

Recent data suggests that less than 2,000 people in Scotland are having the most effective treatments (heart valve procedures and surgery) in the country’s specialist cardiology centres. This is just a fraction of the total number of HVD patients who could benefit.

There are ~600 TAVI procedures performed annually in Scotland. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat severe aortic stenosis by enhancing blood flow in the heart by replacing an aortic valve that fails to open completely. During TAVI, a new valve is inserted via a catheter through a small incision, usually in the groin (transfemoral approach) or chest (transapical approach). Initially, TAVI was an alternative for patients too frail for open-heart surgery to replace their aortic valves. Now, it’s also used for those at lower risk of complications from heart surgery, as research shows its equally effective as traditional surgery after one year.
In Scotland, there are ~ 200 Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) procedures performed per year. TEER is used to treat mitral regurgitation (TR), a condition where the mitral valve in the heart doesn’t close properly, causing blood to flow backward into the heart. During TEER, a small clip is attached to the mitral valve via a catheter inserted through a vein in the leg. This clip helps the valve close more completely, reducing the backward flow of blood.
Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR) is a traditional open-heart surgery used to treat severe aortic stenosis. There are less than 1,000 SAVR performed annually in Scotland. SAVR is typically recommended for patients who are suitable for surgery, including those who are at high risk for complications from less invasive procedures like TAVI. During SAVR, an incision is made along the breastbone to access the heart and the damaged valve is replaced with a mechanical or biological one.

Dr Stuart Watkins, Consultant Cardiologist at Glasgow Jubilee Hospital, said: “We believe a significant number of individuals with this potentially life-threatening condition may be undiagnosed.

“Considering the estimated prevalence of heart valve disease and the fact that fewer than 2,000 people in Scotland are receiving the most effective treatments, there appears to be a critical gap in diagnosis, awareness, or access to healthcare—putting many lives at serious risk.”

Dr Jonathan Byrne, UK Lead of the UK’s Valve for Life programme and a Consultant Cardiologist at King’s College Hospital, explained: “There is capacity in Scotland to undertake thousands more procedures and keyhole surgeries annually for people with moderate and severe heart valve disease, but underdiagnosed patients represent a huge challenge for us as they will remain undertreated“,

According to the Scottish Cardiac Audit Programme (SCAP), complication and mortality rates associated with TAVI remain very low. In 2022/23, there were 575 TAVI procedures performed in Scotland, marking a 17.8% increase from the previous year.

Despite the rise in procedures, the safety and effectiveness of TAVI continue to be affirmed by these low complication and mortality rates.