British Grandmother Julia Butterworth given ‘second chance’ after world-first heart valve operation

A grandmother has been given a “second chance at life” after undergoing a world-first heart valve operation.

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

Despite being monitored, the gran-of-four underwent another operation in 2022 to replace two more valves, and a third one was deemed “irreparable.” 

In July last year, she then began experiencing fatigue and breathlessness, and doctors broke the news that any valve replacements were “not suitable” as she went into heart failure. 

Julia and her husband, Michael Butterworth began “preparing for her funeral” as doctors across the UK told them nothing further could be done. 

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

Consultant on the team, Dr. Chris Malkin, thought there might be a solution by using a particular type of valve that was available from a company in India.

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

Dr. Malkin and the medical team imported and modified the valve in a “world-first” and carried out pioneering keyhole surgery on her heart in September 2024. 

Despite the operation having never been performed before, it was a success, and eight-months-later, Julia is home and recovering well. 

“It was a first-in-the-world procedure,” the Gildersome, West Yorks resident said. “I wasn’t scared of the operation, I think it was just the unknown. My inspiration was to get well for my family and for my grandchildren – they were there in my thoughts all the time. One day I was planning my funeral and the next I was thinking about my future.”

Julia first had two of her heart valves replaced in 2007. 

In 2012, she also began experiencing issues with her kidney function and underwent a transplant three years later, with her father being her living donor.

In 2022, two of her heart valves were replaced again and she says a third was deemed “irreparable”. 

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

Julia had an issue with her tricuspid valve and the type of replacements that were available were not suitable for her, as they had been in the past with her other heart valves.

She’s been told around August 2024 there was “nothing more” doctors in the UK could do and Christmas was “far from guarantee”. 

“We were numb and didn’t know what to do.It was upsetting,” Butterworth’s husband Michael said. “The end of life team were called.”

Dr Malkin, a consultant at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, thought there was a solution with a valve made by a company in India. 

He put the “feelers out” to medics across the world, and heard back from back from colleagues in Denmark who thought using it was “feasible”.

The operation was deemed “high-risk” as it had never been done before but Julia and Michael agreed it was the best option as she entered multi-organ failure.

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

The valve was imported and modified and doctors carried out the keyhole surgery.

During the procedure, they then discovered they would need to use an additional valve and place one inside another. 

The surgery was successful and Julia was up and walking within a few days.

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

“We’ve gone from someone who was bed bound, with a really limited life expectancy, who was in hospital a lot of the time, to somebody who’s now walking, doing well and able to spend time at home with her grandchildren,” Dr. Gatenby said. “The number of people who’ve been involved in Julia’s care, it’s a real story of collaboration and teamwork.”

The couple have nothing but gratitude towards the staff involved in Julia’s care – and towards those who gave the family hugs and support. 

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