My grandmother was given a “second chance in life” after being manipulated in the world.
Julia Butterworth, 53, replaced two valves in her heart in 2007 after doctors detected organ tweets.
Despite being monitored, the four Grans underwent another surgery in 2022 to replace two more valves, with the third being considered “irreparable.”
Last July, she began experiencing fatigue and shortness of breath, and doctors broke the news that valve replacement was “not suitable” when she suffered from heart failure.
Julia and her husband, Michael Butterworth, began “preparing for the funeral” as the British doctor told them they couldn’t do anything more.
However, the medical team at Leeds General Clinic refused to give up and began considering alternative treatments.
Dr. Chris Malkin, a consultant for the team, thought that there might be a solution by using certain types of valves available from Indian companies.
They contacted medical professionals around the world to see if anyone could help, and later that month a cardiologist flew from Denmark.
Dr. Malkin and his medical team pioneered keyhole surgery on her heart in September 2024, importing and modifying the valve in the “world’s first.”
Despite surgery that has never been done before, it has been successful, and for eight months Julia is still at home and is recovering well.
“It was the world’s first procedure,” said a West York resident. “I wasn’t scared of surgery. I think it was just unknown. My inspiration was to work out for my family and grandchildren. They were always there with my thoughts. One day, I was planning a funeral.
Julia replaced two heart valves in 2007.
In 2012, she began experiencing kidney function problems, and after three years she was transplanted, and her father is a living donor.
In 2022, two of her heart valves were replaced again, with the third being deemed “irreparable.”
Last July, Julia, who suffers from chronic kidney disease, was hospitalized with LGI, where doctors looked at both the kidneys and the heart.
Julia had problems with her tricuspid valve and the types of exchanges available were not suitable for her, as she had in the past with other heart valves.
She was told around August 2024 that she could have a “nothing more” British doctor, and Christmas was “a far from guaranteed.”
“We were paralyzed and we didn’t know what to do. It was upsetting,” Butterworth’s husband Michael said. “The end-of-life team has been called.”
Dr. Malkin, a consultant at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, thought there was a valve solution created by an Indian company.
He gave a “feeler” to medics around the world, and heard from his Danish colleagues from behind.
The surgery was considered a “high risk” never before, but Julia and Michael agreed that she was the best option when she entered a multi-organ disorder.
“If my family were happy with it, it made it easier for me to be more focused and positive about it,” Butterworth added. “I really had nothing else to lose. I was poor for a long time and I always had a positive view and attitude.”
The valves were imported and revised, and the doctor performed keyhole surgery.
During the procedure, they discovered that one valve must be placed inside another using additional valves.
The surgery was successful, and within a few days Julia was standing up and walking.
Dr. Kate Gatenby, another Leeds consultant who was part of the team involved in Julia’s surgery and care, says she is “pleasant” that Julia is on track.
“We went from bedbound people to people who often had a very limited life expectancy that was in hospitals, and who were currently walking and able to spend time at home with their grandchildren,” Dr. Gatenby said. “The number of people involved in Julia’s care is a real story of collaboration and teamwork.”
The couple thank the staff involved in caring for Julia, as well as those who gave embrace and support to their families.
“Now I’m at home and everything’s going well,” Butterworth added. “I often think that I might not have been here to see this and see my grandchildren, especially when there are opportunities like Mother’s Day. I’m so grateful to the NHS for everything they’ve done.”
