Our Summary

This study looked at the experiences of a single medical center using a procedure to replace failing heart valves in a less invasive way. The patients involved all had a high risk for a more invasive type of surgery. The researchers used data collected over a four-year period to assess the success of the procedure and the patients’ health afterwards.

The main cause of the original heart valve replacements failing was either because they became too narrow or because they were leaking. The time between the original replacement and the less invasive replacement was on average about 7.5 years.

Different types of replacement valves, all made by Edwards Lifesciences, were used in the procedure. The procedure was successful for all patients and there were no deaths during the operation. The replacement valves worked well and there was a significant improvement in how the heart was working.

After 30 days, none of the patients had died, had a severe stroke, or been admitted to the hospital for heart-related reasons. Most of the patients also reported significant improvements in their health status.

In conclusion, the less invasive procedure to replace failing heart valves can be done with minimal risks and good results in the short-term.

FAQs

  1. What is the main cause of the original heart valve replacements failing?
  2. What type of replacement valves was used in the less invasive procedure?
  3. What were the short-term results for patients who underwent the less invasive heart valve replacement procedure?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about valve replacement is to follow post-operative care instructions closely, including taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and participating in cardiac rehabilitation if recommended. It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking to ensure the long-term success of the valve replacement.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended valve replacement are those with failing heart valves due to conditions such as aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, or other valve diseases. In this study, the patients had a high risk for a more invasive surgery, so the less invasive procedure was recommended as a safer option for them. These patients may be older, have other underlying health conditions, or have previously undergone valve replacement surgery that has now failed. The less invasive procedure offers a way to replace the failing valve without the need for open-heart surgery, reducing the risks and recovery time associated with traditional valve replacement surgeries.

Timeline

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after valve replacement can be broken down as follows:

Before valve replacement:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and dizziness indicating a failing heart valve.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as echocardiograms and cardiac catheterizations to determine the severity of the valve dysfunction.
  3. Patient is informed by their healthcare provider that valve replacement is necessary due to the severity of their condition.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and consultations to determine the best course of treatment.

After valve replacement:

  1. Patient undergoes the less invasive valve replacement procedure successfully without any complications.
  2. Patient experiences improved heart function and a reduction in symptoms post-operation.
  3. Patient is monitored closely for any signs of complications or issues related to the replacement valve.
  4. Patient undergoes follow-up appointments and tests to ensure the long-term success of the procedure.
  5. Patient reports significant improvements in their health status and overall quality of life.

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after valve replacement can vary depending on the individual’s specific circumstances and the type of valve replacement procedure performed. However, the goal of valve replacement is to improve heart function, alleviate symptoms, and enhance the patient’s overall quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about valve replacement include:

  1. What type of valve replacement will be used in my procedure?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the valve replacement procedure?
  3. How long can I expect the replacement valve to last?
  4. What is the expected recovery time after the procedure?
  5. Will I need to take medication or make any lifestyle changes after the valve replacement?
  6. How often will I need follow-up appointments to monitor the replacement valve?
  7. Are there any specific symptoms or warning signs I should watch for after the procedure?
  8. What is the long-term success rate of this less invasive valve replacement procedure?
  9. How does the success rate of this procedure compare to more traditional, invasive valve replacement surgeries?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?

Reference

Authors: Okoh AK, Shah A, Kang N, Almaz B, Resnick J, Ghaffar A, Chen C, Haik B, Cohen M, Russo MJ. Journal: J Invasive Cardiol. 2020 Feb;32(2):49-54. doi: 10.25270/jic/19.00212. Epub 2019 Nov 15. PMID: 31724535