Our Summary

This research paper discusses a case of a 7-month-old boy who had a heart defect known as a complete atrioventricular septal defect. Four months after an initial repair, the boy suffered from severe leakage of the left atrioventricular valve, one of the four main valves in the heart. Because the valve could not be repaired and the ring-shaped base of the valve was too small for a mechanical replacement, a modified mitral Ross operation was performed. This is an older procedure where a patient’s own pulmonary valve is used to replace the damaged mitral valve. Unlike the traditional method, this modified approach allows for growth and demonstrated successful long-term function in this case. The study suggests that this modified procedure could be a valuable option when replacing the mitral valve in infants.

FAQs

  1. What is the modified mitral Ross operation as described in the article?
  2. What potential benefits does the modified mitral Ross operation offer over the classical technique for pulmonary valve replacement?
  3. Is the modified mitral Ross operation a viable option for infants requiring mitral valve replacement?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about pulmonary valve replacement is to follow a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet to promote overall heart health. It is also important to attend regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor the function of the new valve and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for pulmonary valve replacement include those with congenital heart defects such as pulmonary valve stenosis or regurgitation, as well as patients with acquired conditions such as infective endocarditis or valve degeneration. Patients who have undergone previous surgical repairs or valve replacements that have failed may also be candidates for pulmonary valve replacement. In some cases, patients with severe pulmonary hypertension may benefit from pulmonary valve replacement to improve their symptoms and quality of life.

Timeline

Before pulmonary valve replacement:

  • Patient is diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, such as a complete atrioventricular septal defect
  • Patient undergoes complete repair surgery
  • Patient develops severe left atrioventricular valve regurgitation
  • Valve repair is deemed unsuitable and annulus is too small for a mechanical prosthesis
  • Decision is made to perform the modified mitral Ross operation

After pulmonary valve replacement:

  • Modified mitral Ross operation is performed
  • Long-term outcome is uneventful for 12 years
  • Patient shows long-term function can be obtained with the modified technique
  • Procedure may be a valuable option for mitral valve replacement in infants

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the reason for needing a pulmonary valve replacement?
  2. What are the risks and benefits of undergoing a pulmonary valve replacement procedure?
  3. What is the expected recovery time after the surgery?
  4. Will there be any lifestyle changes or restrictions following the pulmonary valve replacement?
  5. How frequently will follow-up appointments be needed after the surgery?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  7. What is the success rate of pulmonary valve replacements in patients with similar conditions?
  8. What is the expected lifespan of the new pulmonary valve?
  9. Are there any potential complications or long-term effects to be aware of?
  10. How experienced is the medical team in performing pulmonary valve replacement procedures?

Reference

Authors: Moreau de Bellaing A, Mathiron A, Lecompte Y, Vouhé P. Journal: Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2019 May 1;28(5):828-829. doi: 10.1093/icvts/ivy322. PMID: 30508177