Our Summary

This study looked at the effectiveness of two different types of artificial heart valves - the Inspiris Resilia valve and the Mosaic valve - when used in a procedure called pulmonary valve replacement (PVR). The researchers looked at patients who underwent PVR at a specific hospital from 2007 to 2022. They found that both types of valves performed similarly in the short term. However, patients who received the Inspiris valve were more likely to develop a condition called pulmonary regurgitation (PR), where blood leaks back into the heart because the valve doesn’t close properly. There was no significant difference between the two types of valves when it came to needing another operation or in the likelihood of developing a high pressure gradient (a measure of blood flow resistance). These initial findings suggest that the Inspiris valve might not be more durable than other similar valves when used in the PVR procedure.

FAQs

  1. What are the two types of artificial heart valves studied in this research?
  2. What is the condition that patients with the Inspiris valve were more likely to develop?
  3. Was there a significant difference between the Inspiris and Mosaic valves in terms of needing another operation or the likelihood of developing a high pressure gradient?

Doctor’s Tip

It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for post-operative care after pulmonary valve replacement. This may include taking medications as prescribed, attending follow-up appointments, and participating in cardiac rehabilitation if recommended. It is also important to monitor for any signs of infection or complications and to report them to your healthcare provider immediately. Regular physical activity and a healthy diet can also help support your recovery and overall heart health.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for pulmonary valve replacement include those with:

  • Severe pulmonary valve stenosis or regurgitation
  • Congenital heart defects such as Tetralogy of Fallot or pulmonary atresia
  • Previous valve replacement with a deteriorating valve
  • Symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or fainting
  • Right ventricular dysfunction or enlargement
  • Pulmonary hypertension

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a cardiologist or cardiothoracic surgeon to determine if they are a suitable candidate for pulmonary valve replacement.

Timeline

Before pulmonary valve replacement:

  • Patient may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and dizziness due to a dysfunctional pulmonary valve
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as echocardiogram, cardiac MRI, and cardiac catheterization to assess the severity of the valve dysfunction
  • Cardiac team determines that pulmonary valve replacement is necessary to improve the patient’s symptoms and overall heart function

After pulmonary valve replacement:

  • Patient undergoes minimally invasive or open-heart surgery to replace the dysfunctional pulmonary valve with an artificial valve
  • Patient is monitored closely in the hospital for a few days to ensure a successful recovery
  • Patient undergoes cardiac rehabilitation to regain strength and improve cardiovascular health
  • Patient experiences improvement in symptoms such as improved exercise tolerance, reduced chest pain, and overall better quality of life
  • Patient continues to have regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor the function of the artificial valve and overall heart health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of artificial heart valve will be used in the pulmonary valve replacement procedure?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with pulmonary valve replacement surgery?
  3. How long can I expect the artificial heart valve to last?
  4. How will the surgery impact my daily life and activities?
  5. Will I need to take any medications after the surgery?
  6. What follow-up care will be required after the pulmonary valve replacement surgery?
  7. What signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a complication with the artificial heart valve?
  8. Are there any restrictions on physical activity or diet that I should be aware of after the surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to pulmonary valve replacement that I should consider?
  10. What is the success rate of pulmonary valve replacement surgery in patients with my specific condition?

Reference

Authors: Ragheb DK, Martin E, Jaggi A, Lui GK, Maskatia SA, Ma M, Hanley FL, McElhinney DB. Journal: Ann Thorac Surg. 2024 Jun;117(6):1203-1210. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2023.07.049. Epub 2023 Aug 23. PMID: 37625611