Royal Wolverhampton Hospital CoreVALVE

Introduction

The adoption of new technology and or methodology can been be difficult to undertake however through very strict and controlled conditions advancements in invasive medical treatment can be made which have a direct impact to patient outcomes.  Trans-catheter Aortic Valve implementation (CoreValve) advancement was seen a less invasive way to treat high risk patients with aortic stenosis that could not undergo conventional heart surgery

What it is?

CoreValve is a novel system of heart valve replacement which does not require the need for open heart surgery.  The CoreVALVE system is a technique of implanting a replacement heart valve via a catheter based technique within the diseased aortic valve itself. 

Key Milestones

Clinical evidence of more than 2000 patients provided an opportunity for the Trust to agree to participate in adopting this new technique with very strict and controlled parameters.  More than 10 patients have already been through this procedure and continue to be monitored and supported medically on a regular basis.  Data from these patients will continue to be added to the growing evidence of the technique’s adoption and will provide an alternative treatment option for high risk patients.

What it is achieving?

This innovative development has provided a treatment option for high risk patients who currently would not be suitable for conventional heart valve surgery.  Currently the Trust is able to identify:-

• Patient treatment options extended 
• Reduction of complications linked to conventional open heart surgery
• Short term safety and success evidenced
• Positive patient experience
• Possible development of a new service

The Key Message

Where patient choice is limited or non existent, the final resort is often to look at innovative research and development.  Innovative techniques are often seen as high risk without effective controls, planning and centralised reporting of data.  Adopting innovations such as the CoreVALVE requires a significant amount of effort, commitment and support from a wide range of professionals with training, planning and monitoring imbedded within the adoption.  Patient benefits and long term outcome will continue to be monitored for many years.