Second Annual Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (Patient and Physician) Forum
On 3rd March 2012, the second Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Forum was held at the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital (LHCH), to provide our patients and their families with a better understanding of their thoracic aortic aneurysm condition and how we treat the condition through surgery at LHCH. The forum also provided an understanding of Marfan syndrome, in relation to the aortic aneurysm service. The turnout was fantastic, with over 100 patients and their families attending the event which was located in the Outpatients Department. Due to the high interest from patients and their families, a future forum is planned later on in the year.
The forum was organised by Michael Roberts, the new Aortic Nurse Practitioner, with assistance from Sarah Bradley, PA to the Thoracic Aortic Team and Stephen Baily, Service Line Manager.
A variety of talks were presented included; ‘What is an aneurysm, does mine require surgery and what investigations will I require?’ by Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Mr. Aung Oo, followed by Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Mr. Manoj Kuduvalli ‘Operations on the ascending aorta’. Mr. Oo ended the talks with ‘Operations on the descending aorta’ followed with a question and answer session.
Mr Aung Oo, Counsultant Cardiac Surgeon, addresses the audience at the event
Following the Consultants' presentations, Beryl Henshaw, the Regional Representative of the Marfan Association, spoke to the group about Marfan Syndrome and gave her ‘patient story’. Beryl was accompanied by her daughter who is also a patient of the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital and has the syndrome. Diana Perryman and Geraldine Morley, from the Marfan Support Group Network, also came along to support the event.
Two members of the Thoracic Aortic Support Group presented to the forum, with Paul Massey giving his ‘patient story’ and Neil Towers discussing the benefits of the support group for all patients, both pre and post procedure. Michael Roberts finished with a brief explanation of his new role at the LHCH, supporting both patient and family members throughout the ‘patient / family journey’.
Following lunch, patients and their families were invited to tour the Hybrid Theatre. Mr. Aung Oo and Mr. Manoj Kuduvalli provided more information regarding their practice in theatres and members of the theatre team had set up stations to demonstrate their roles in this setting. Neil Rawlings and Julie Holt explained the scrub nurse duties and discussed the various trays and kit used when operating. Gary Theobald described the anaesthetic side of the procedure and perfusionist, Christopher Roberts explained the cardiac bypass machine and his role in theatre. Many questions were asked and this part of the day proved most popular.
For more information, about the aortic service / future events please contact Michael Roberts, Advanced Nurse Practitioner for Aortic Services at the LHCH, on: 0151 600 1006
