Aortic Valve Stenosis-Surgery, Hopital le Bocage, Dijon, France

In 2011, Doctor Olivier Bouchot invited me to observe him carrying out “aortic valve stenosis-surgery” to replace an aortic valve. Stenosis is caused when a heart valve doesn’t open wide enough to allow maximum blood flow to the aorta. The narrowed valve causes the heart to work harder in an attempt to pump through sufficient blood – and surgery is the only option. (But don’t take my word for it…)

I was allowed to record, video and photograph the procedure – which was certainly a rare and fascinating privilege. The operation took approx. 5 hours – and the skill and efficiency of Olivier and his team made their remarkable jobs seem almost routine.

The video on YouTube was landed with an ‘age restriction’ warning - which is fair enough. It’s not for the faint hearted. So be warned…

My thanks to Olivier and the team at Hôpital du Bocage, Dijon, Burgundy, France