A PROCEDURE to repair damaged heart valves - without involving major surgery - is now available for patients at the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre.

People suffering from the most common form of heart valve disease, stenosis, will no longer have to travel to London for the minimally invasive treatment. They can now go to the world-class specialist centre, based at Basildon Hospital.

Last month John Orchard, aged 88, was the first patient to have the procedure - known as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) - carried out by specialists at the centre.

For many patients, this will be a safer option than open heart surgery, with a lower risk of infection and a faster recovery time. Because Mr Orchard had previously suffered a stroke, it would have been too risky for him to have major surgery.

Dr Rajesh Aggarwal and Dr Rohan Jagathesan, cardiology consultants, carried out the first TAVI procedure on Mr Orchard - who returned to the centre for a follow-up appointment last week, where the doctors confirmed he was fit and well.

Mr Orchard, a retired builder from Shoebury, was referred to the cardiothoracic centre after he began experiencing shortness of breath. He said: “Dr Aggarwal said that my heart valve could be replaced and recommended that I have the new procedure to do this because I had previously had a mini-stroke.

“The care and treatment was marvellous – second to none. Considering it was done so recently I feel fine. I am doing a lot of walking as recommended and I’ve enjoyed a couple of evenings out.”

The TAVI programme at the centre is led by Mr Inderpaul Birdi, clinical lead for cardiothoracic surgery, who has played a key role in establishing the centre’s outstanding reputation for minimally invasive heart treatments. Mr Birdi said: “For many patients with heart valve disease who live in Essex and the surrounding area, it is a huge benefit to be able to have the TAVI procedure carried out close to home.”