Elizabeth Rowland(84)became the 1st in Britain to be implanted with a next-generation artificial heart valve

Elizabeth Rowland(84)became the 1st in Britain to be implanted with a next-generation artificial heart valve.

Before having the new valve fitted, Elizabeth Rowland was so ill from the common heart condition aortic stenosis - in which the main valve becomes thickened - that she could barely walk. But she is now back on her feet and in need of less medication

At present 5,000 Britons a year have valve replacements, but the new Lotus implant vastly reduces the chance of blood leakage and life-threatening complications

The valve is fitted using keyhole surgery under local anaesthetic, meaning that frail patients - such as Elizabeth - don't have to undergo a risky and invasive open-heart operation. 

Made of a metallic mesh and titanium, the new valve is about the size of a 10p piece.

'The Lotus valve offers such precision and control that it's  like the difference between landing a plane with or without the help of autopilot,' said consultant cardiologist Dr Jan Kovac, who carried out the operation at Leicester's Glenfield Hospital