British grandmother Julia Butterworth gave the ‘second chance’ after the first world heart valve surgery

A grandmother is given a “second chance in life” after undergoing a first heart valve surgery in the world.

Julia Butterworth, 53, had two valves in her heart replaced in 2007 after doctors discovered a murmur in the organ.

Despite being monitored, Gran-E-Four underwent another operation in 2022 to replace two more valves, and one third was rated “irreparable”.

In July last year, she then began to experience fatigue and breath, and doctors broke the news that any valve replacement was not “appropriate” as it went to heart failure.

Julia and her husband, Michael Butterworth, began “preparation for her funeral” as doctors throughout the United Kingdom said nothing further could be done.

However, the medical team at Leeds General Infirmary refused to give up and began watching alternative treatment.

Dr. Consultant, Dr. Chris Malkin, thought that there could be a solution using a special type of valve that was available from a company in India.

They contacted medical professionals around the world to see if someone can help and later that month, a cardiologist flew from Denmark.

Dr. Malkin and the medical team imported and modified the valve in a “first in the world” and performed pioneer operations of keys in her heart in September 2024.

Despite the operation that had never been performed before, it was a success, and eight months old, Julia is at home and is well healed.

“It was a first procedure in the world,” said Gildersome, West Yorks Resident. “I was not afraid of the operation, I think it was just unknown. My inspiration was to go well for my family and my grandchildren – they were there in my thoughts all the time. One day I was planning my funeral and the other I was thinking about my future.”

Julia first had its two heart valves replaced in 2007.

In 2012, she also began to experience issues with her kidney function and underwent a transplant three years later, with her father who was her living donor.

In 2022, her two heart valves were replaced again and she says one -third was rated “irreparable”.

Last July, Julia, who has chronic kidney disease, was admitted to LGI, where doctors looked at both the kidneys and her heart.

Julia had a problem with her tricuspid valve and the type of substitutes available were not suitable for her, as they had been in the past with her other heart valves.

It was said about August 2024 that it could not do “nothing more” doctors in the UK and Christmas were “away from guarantee”.

“We were numb and didn’t know what to do. It was worrying,” said the Michael Butterworth man. “The last team of life was called.”

Dr. Malkin, a consultant at Leeds Learning Hospitals, thought he had a solution with a valve made by a company in India.

He put “feelings” to doctors all over the world and heard again from colleagues in Denmark, who thought his use was “possible”.

The operation was estimated “high -risk” as it had never been done before, but Julia and Michael agreed it was the best option as it entered the failure of many organs.

“Once my family was happy with her, it made me easier for me to be more focused and positive about her,” she added Butterworth. “I had nothing else to really lose. I’ve been poorly for a long time and I always had a positive view and attitude.”

The valve was imported and modified and the doctors perform the keyhole operation.

During the procedure, they then discovered that they would have to use an additional valve and set one within the other.

Surgery was successful and Julia was set up and was walking within a few days.

Dr. Kate Gatenby, another Leeds consultant who was part of the team involved in Julia’s operation and care, says she is “pleased” that Julia is doing well.

“We went from someone who was tied to bed, with a really limited life expectancy, who was in the hospital for a long time, for someone who is now walking, doing well and able to spend time at home with her grandchildren,” said Dr. Gatenby. “The number of people involved in Julia’s care is a true story of cooperation and teamwork.”

The Coupleifti have nothing but gratitude to the staff involved in the care of Julia – and to those who gave family hugs and support.

“Now I’m at home and everything has gone well,” the Butterworth added. “I often think, especially when there are times like Mother’s Day, which I might not have been here to see this and see my grandchildren. I am so grateful to NHS for everything they have done.”