Our Summary

This research paper looks at how well a particular type of heart valve replacement works. The valve in question is made from pig tissue and is called the Epic porcine xenograft. The study included 482 patients who had this type of valve replacement between 2009 and 2018.

The study found that the death rate during the operation was 9.3%. Some patients needed to have the operation redone, mainly because of a recurring infection in the heart. However, the overall survival rate after 8.8 years was 69.5%.

The researchers also looked at how well the valve held up over time, which is known as structural valve deterioration (SVD). They found that after 5 and 10 years, the valve was still working well in most patients. Even when they split the patients into groups based on their age at the time of the surgery, there wasn’t a significant difference in how well the valve held up.

In conclusion, this particular type of heart valve replacement seems to work well and last a long time, regardless of the patient’s age at the time of the surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the Epic porcine xenograft valve and how well does it work?
  2. What is the survival rate for patients who had the Epic porcine xenograft valve replacement?
  3. Does the age of a patient at the time of surgery affect the durability of the Epic porcine xenograft valve?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing mitral valve replacement to follow a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking, to help improve the long-term success of the procedure. It is also important for patients to attend regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor the function of the replacement valve and address any concerns or complications promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for mitral valve replacement include those with severe mitral valve stenosis or regurgitation, which can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and heart palpitations. Additionally, patients with a history of infective endocarditis, congenital heart defects, or other structural abnormalities of the mitral valve may also be candidates for mitral valve replacement. Patients who have not responded well to medical management or other less invasive treatments may also be recommended for mitral valve replacement. It is important for patients to discuss their individual case with their healthcare provider to determine if mitral valve replacement is the best treatment option for them.

Timeline

Before mitral valve replacement:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of mitral valve disease such as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and abnormal heart rhythms.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as echocardiogram, MRI, and stress tests to confirm the diagnosis of mitral valve disease.
  3. Patient discusses treatment options with their healthcare provider, including the possibility of mitral valve replacement.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluation to assess their overall health and fitness for surgery.

After mitral valve replacement:

  1. Patient undergoes mitral valve replacement surgery, which can be done either through open-heart surgery or minimally invasive techniques.
  2. Patient is closely monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) immediately after surgery for any complications.
  3. Patient is gradually weaned off mechanical ventilation and other supportive measures as they recover.
  4. Patient undergoes cardiac rehabilitation to regain strength and endurance post-surgery.
  5. Patient is followed up regularly by their healthcare provider to monitor the function of the new valve and manage any potential complications.
  6. Patient can resume normal activities and enjoy an improved quality of life with a properly functioning mitral valve.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about mitral valve replacement with the Epic porcine xenograft include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this type of heart valve replacement surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process expected to be, and what can I expect during the recovery period?
  3. Will I need to take any medications or make lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  4. How often will I need follow-up appointments and monitoring after the surgery?
  5. What is the expected lifespan of the Epic porcine xenograft valve, and what signs should I watch for that may indicate valve deterioration?
  6. Are there any restrictions on physical activity or diet that I should be aware of after the surgery?
  7. What is the success rate of this type of valve replacement in terms of improving symptoms and quality of life?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider, and how does the Epic porcine xenograft valve compare to other types of heart valve replacements?
  9. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or treatments in the future to maintain the function of the valve?
  10. Are there any specific considerations or factors that may affect the outcome of the surgery for me personally, such as my age, overall health, or any other medical conditions I have?

Reference

Authors: Anselmi A, Aymami M, Tomasi J, Chabanne C, Beneux X, Corbineau H, Verhoye JP. Journal: Ann Thorac Surg. 2022 Mar;113(3):837-844. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2021.03.097. Epub 2021 Apr 23. PMID: 33901453