A woman who underwent a rare operation to replace all four of her heart valves says she now wants to make the most of the extra time she has gained. Angela Gardner, 55, from Appleby in Cumbria, had the eight-hour procedure at Newcastle's Freeman Hospital.
Professor Stephen Clark, who led the surgery, described it as 'exceptionally rare' and noted that only about four similar cases are known to have been performed worldwide. The operation was deemed a success, despite Ms Gardner also battling a rare form of terminal cancer.
Speaking after the surgery, Ms Gardner expressed her desire to pack in as much as possible with her five children, adding that the operation could give her an additional five years of life. The procedure was carried out by a team of specialists at the Freeman Hospital, which is known for its expertise in complex cardiac surgeries.
