Mr Ranjit Deshpande, MBBS, FRCS
Consultant Cardiac Surgeon
Paul Le Breton kept a close eye on his heart condition. Having undergone heart surgery in 2008 to replace his faulty aortic valve, Paul knew that within 15 years, his bioprosthetic valve would likely begin to wear out.
“I knew my valve was possibly getting near the end of its life,” says 58-year-old Paul, owner of an auto repair garage in Guernsey. “So, I had some tests done locally.”
Necessary heart surgery
Paul underwent testing in 2020. After being monitored for two years, his cardiologist reviewed new test results that showed a startling discovery. Not only was Paul’s replacement valve working at just 20% capacity, but he also developed an aortic aneurysm — which could be life-threatening if it were to rupture or split.
“My doctor said, ‘You need to get this repaired within two weeks,’” recalls Paul. “It was a complete shock to me. He said there was one surgeon he would recommend to do it.”
Having an intensive care team, including a consultant anaesthetist available around the clock, ensures patients, like Paul, always receive the best care.
Seeking an expert surgeon
Paul immediately scheduled an appointment with Ranjit Deshpande, MBBS, FRCS, a cardiac surgeon at Cleveland Clinic London. The hospital opened in March 2022, and Paul and his wife, Emma, made the 45-minute flight to London to meet with Mr Deshpande.
“Paul’s artery was enlarged to almost six centimetres — a stage where it can rupture or lead to fatal bleeding,” notes Mr Deshpande. “He would need a major operation, and we couldn’t put it off for too long.”
Paul experienced a sudden and unexpected tragedy when one of his brothers suddenly suffered cardiac arrest and passed away. While devastated by the news, it reinforced the severity of Paul’s situation, and he went ahead with the surgery just days after his brother’s death.
Complex surgery with a great result
Mr Deshpande led a specialised team through a simulation the night before the surgery. The next day, they completed the procedure, during which he repaired the aneurysm and replaced the faulty aortic valve, which had begun leaking blood into Paul’s heart.
Mr Deshpande emphasises one of the most important parts of the process is post-operative care. Having an intensive care team, including a consultant anaesthetist available around the clock, ensures patients, like Paul, always receive the best care. Emma adds: “The staff were brilliant and so informative.”
Paul points to his care team as the key to his thriving recovery. “I’m back playing golf and working out in the gym,” he says. “I feel better than ever.”
