Our Summary

This research paper discusses a rare case of a person born with a four-flapped heart valve (quadricuspid aortic valve) that was not functioning properly. Usually, the solution is to replace the whole valve. However, in this case, the doctors saved the patient’s own valve by reshaping it into a two-flapped valve (bicuspidization) and fixing it back into the heart. This successful surgery represents a new way to address this rare heart condition.

FAQs

  1. What is a quadricuspid aortic valve and how common is it?
  2. What is the first-choice treatment for a quadricuspid aortic valve?
  3. What is aortic valve-sparing root replacement and bicuspidization?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about valve replacement is to follow a healthy lifestyle after the procedure. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, managing stress, and avoiding smoking. These lifestyle changes can help improve the long-term success of the valve replacement and overall heart health.

Suitable For

Patients with quadricuspid aortic valves are typically recommended valve replacement, either through aortic valve replacement or repair procedures. Patients with quadricuspid aortic valves may present with aortic insufficiency, which can lead to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. In cases where the quadricuspid aortic valve is causing significant symptoms or complications, valve replacement may be necessary to improve the patient’s overall heart function and quality of life.

Timeline

Before valve replacement:

  1. Patient may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and dizziness due to aortic insufficiency caused by the quadricuspid aortic valve.
  2. Diagnostic tests such as echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, and MRI may be performed to evaluate the severity of the valve dysfunction.
  3. Patient may be prescribed medications to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

After valve replacement:

  1. Patient undergoes aortic valve-sparing root replacement and bicuspidization surgery to repair the quadricuspid aortic valve.
  2. Recovery period in the hospital involves monitoring for potential complications such as infection, bleeding, and irregular heart rhythms.
  3. Patient undergoes cardiac rehabilitation to regain strength and endurance.
  4. Follow-up appointments with the cardiologist are scheduled to monitor the function of the new valve and overall heart health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and benefits of valve replacement surgery for my specific condition?
  2. What type of valve replacement procedure do you recommend for me: mechanical, biological, or valve repair?
  3. How long is the recovery period after valve replacement surgery?
  4. Will I need to take medication after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  5. Are there any lifestyle changes or limitations I should be aware of after valve replacement surgery?
  6. What are the potential complications or risks associated with valve replacement surgery?
  7. How long can I expect the new valve to last before needing another replacement?
  8. What follow-up appointments or tests will I need after the surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures for my condition that I should consider?
  10. Can you provide me with more information about the specific procedure you plan to perform and what to expect during the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Hasegawa S, Tanaka H, Okita Y. Journal: Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2019 May 1;55(5):1006-1007. doi: 10.1093/ejcts/ezy321. PMID: 30256931