Our Summary

The Trifecta valve is a type of heart valve used in surgeries. There have been some cases where this valve didn’t work properly a few months to years after surgery, but there haven’t been any reports of it failing during surgery until now. A 73-year-old man needed a new heart valve because his was too narrow. Doctors used a 21-mm Trifecta valve to replace the old one. However, the man’s blood pressure dropped dramatically after the heart was reopened due to severe backflow of blood, indicating that the valve was not functioning correctly. The surgeons decided to switch out the Trifecta valve with another type of biological valve. They noticed that the removed Trifecta valve was more open than it should have been. This case shows that even with advances in technology, there can still be unexpected issues during surgery. Even if there are no visible signs of damage, doctors should be ready to take immediate action if something is not working correctly.

FAQs

  1. What is the Trifecta valve and what is it used for?
  2. What could cause a Trifecta valve to dysfunction during an operation?
  3. What is the recommended action if a Trifecta valve dysfunctions during an operation?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about valve replacement is to closely monitor for any signs of valve dysfunction, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or fatigue, and to seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms occur. Regular follow-up appointments and imaging tests may also be recommended to ensure the valve is functioning properly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended valve replacement include those with severe valvular heart disease, such as aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, or mitral stenosis. These patients may have symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, or fainting episodes. Additionally, patients with valve dysfunction that is causing significant hemodynamic compromise or heart failure may also be candidates for valve replacement. Ultimately, the decision to recommend valve replacement is made on a case-by-case basis by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers.

Timeline

  • Patient is diagnosed with aortic stenosis and recommended for aortic valve replacement
  • Patient undergoes preoperative evaluations and tests to assess their overall health and suitability for surgery
  • Patient undergoes aortic valve replacement surgery using a Trifecta valve with Glide Technology
  • Hemodynamics collapse after aortic declamp due to severe regurgitation from the Trifecta valve
  • Valve is replaced with another biologic valve during the same operation
  • Removed Trifecta valve shows an outwardly open mount post
  • Patient recovers from surgery and is monitored for any complications or issues with the new biologic valve
  • Patient undergoes follow-up appointments and tests to assess the function of the new valve and overall cardiac health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of valve will be used for the replacement procedure?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with valve replacement surgery?
  3. How long can I expect the valve to last before needing a replacement?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after the surgery?
  5. What lifestyle changes will I need to make after the valve replacement?
  6. Will I need to take blood-thinning medication after the surgery?
  7. How often will I need to follow up with the doctor for monitoring and evaluation of the valve?
  8. What signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a problem with the valve?
  9. What are the factors that may increase the risk of valve dysfunction or failure in the future?
  10. Are there any specific precautions or restrictions I should be aware of post-surgery to protect the new valve?

Reference

Authors: Kataoka H, Tanaka H, Toshida T, Ebato M, Suzuki H. Journal: Ann Thorac Surg. 2021 Aug;112(2):e107-e109. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2020.12.039. Epub 2021 Jan 19. PMID: 33482157