Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
Syringmyelia
If you have syringomyelia, leading HCA UK neurosurgeons can treat the condition surgically
About
Syringomyelia is where a fluid-filled cyst (syrinx) develops within the spinal cord. This can enlarge over time, distorting the spinal cord and causing pain, weakness, loss of sensation, muscle wasting and other neurological problems.
Need to know
TAVI is usually performed under light sedation with local anaesthetic, meaning you'll be slightly drowsy and pain-free throughout the procedure. Your consultant will insert a thin, flexible tube (a delivery catheter) through a small cut in the skin, usually in your groin but sometimes between your ribs or under your collarbone.
The catheter is then passed towards the heart and through the opening of the narrowed aortic valve. A small balloon may be inflated to open your aortic valve and make room for the artificial valve. Most artificial valves are made using bovine (cow) tissue. This new valve is expanded to fit in place of the old, narrowed valve. The whole procedure takes one to two hours.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and let you know how to prepare. If you're having general anaesthetic or sedation, your consultant will tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking for.
The recovery time for TAVI is generally much faster than for traditional open heart surgery. You'll be cared for in hospital for as long as your recovery requires, but most patients go home within two days following the procedure. You can expect some discomfort and will be given pain relief medication.
It may take up to four weeks to fully recover, but your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.