Our Summary
This research paper is about a 76-year-old woman who had a heart valve known as the Trifecta valve. This valve is made from a cow’s heart sac and is mounted on a titanium framework. It is used for replacing the aortic valve in the heart and has a very low rate of breaking down. However, the woman started experiencing shortness of breath 24 months after her valve replacement. An ultrasound of her heart showed that her Trifecta valve was not working properly, leading to heart failure. During surgery, it was found that her Trifecta valve had a tear and had developed a fibrous growth around it. There were no signs of hardening or infection. The damaged Trifecta valve was successfully replaced with a new one made from a pig’s heart sac.
FAQs
- What is a Trifecta valve and what is it used for?
- What are the common complications or issues that can occur after aortic valve replacement with a Trifecta valve?
- What was the solution for the 76-year-old woman who developed complications with her Trifecta valve?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about aortic valve replacement is to closely monitor any changes in symptoms, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, and to seek medical attention immediately if any new symptoms arise. Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are important to monitor the function of the new valve and to catch any potential issues early on. It is also important to follow a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking, to promote the longevity of the new valve.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended for aortic valve replacement include those with severe aortic stenosis or regurgitation, symptomatic patients with heart failure or angina, patients with severe valve dysfunction who are not candidates for valve repair, and patients with congenital heart defects affecting the aortic valve.
Timeline
Before aortic valve replacement:
- Patient experiences symptoms such as dyspnea on exertion due to aortic valve disease
- Diagnosis is made through imaging tests such as echocardiography
- Decision is made to undergo aortic valve replacement surgery
- Surgery is scheduled and patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations
After aortic valve replacement:
- Patient undergoes surgery to replace the aortic valve with a bioprosthetic valve
- Recovery period in the hospital with monitoring of vital signs and healing
- Follow-up appointments with healthcare provider to monitor valve function and overall health
- Patient experiences improved symptoms and quality of life post-surgery
- In some cases, patients may experience complications such as structural valve deterioration requiring re-operation
What to Ask Your Doctor
What are the potential risks and complications associated with aortic valve replacement surgery?
How long can I expect the Trifecta valve to last before needing a replacement?
What symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a problem with the Trifecta valve, such as structural valve deterioration?
Are there any specific lifestyle changes or restrictions I should follow after receiving the Trifecta valve?
How often will I need to follow up with you for monitoring of the Trifecta valve’s function?
Are there any medications I should take or avoid that may affect the Trifecta valve?
What signs or symptoms should prompt me to seek immediate medical attention related to the Trifecta valve?
Are there any activities or exercises I should avoid or modify to protect the Trifecta valve?
What are the options for valve replacement if the Trifecta valve were to fail or develop complications in the future?
How experienced are you and your team in performing aortic valve replacement surgeries with the Trifecta valve?
Reference
Authors: Hamamoto M, Kobayashi T, Ozawa M, Yoshimura K. Journal: Ann Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2017 Jun 20;23(3):157-160. doi: 10.5761/atcs.cr.16-00183. Epub 2016 Dec 14. PMID: 27980283