A hearty bond – sisters Rita Cooper and Maureen Lowe
Sisters Rita Cooper and Maureen Lowe share more than just their genetics – they now also share the same treating team, having undergone the same TAVI procedure by TPCH cardiologists just seven months apart.
As people age, the valves in the heart that move blood around the body can start to weaken. These weakened valves can be replaced through a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation, or TAVI, a non-invasive procedure involving the placement of a cardiac valve into various parts of the heart via the groin’s femoral artery.
Interventional cardiologist Dr Chris Raffel said that TAVI procedures are ideal for many older patients who are not suitable candidates for open heart surgery.
“Because of the less invasive nature of the procedure, there is less physical effect on the patient compared with open heart surgery, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery,” Dr Raffel said.
Rita said that watching Maureen’s TAVI experience, her younger sister by five years, helped her feel comfortable taking a step forward for her own health.
“Maureen had the procedure performed in October of 2020, and I had mine in May of this year,” Rita said.
“She was able to tell me all about her experience so when it came to my time, I was excited to just get it done.
“No one even realised we were sisters until right before my procedure which was very funny.”
After growing up in the rural Queensland town of Eidsvold and moving to Brisbane in 1971, Rita has had her fair share of visits at TPCH.
“TPCH has been looking after my asthma for the past ten years, but I’d say I’ve been to the hospital at least 40 different times,” Rita said.
“Every time I’ve had to attend the hospital the staff have always looked after me incredibly well.
“It’s a wonderful service and the food is really good too.
“I’m grateful to the doctors and nurses who’ve been there for me and significantly improved my breathing with this surgery.”
It is great to see our TPCH interventional cardiologists leading the way and performing this life changing surgery for so many in our Metro North community, with this sister duo no exception.