valve replacement
valve replacement, Many patients are afraid of open-heart surgery, but recently it has become possible to perform some operations through limited intervention, such as operations to treat cases of aortic valve stenosis or what is called catheter aortic valve replacement, which is a much simpler operation when compared to open-heart valve replacement surgery.
Catheter valve replacement surgery
The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the human body. It transports blood from the heart and nourishes the rest of the body’s organsnarrow The aortic valve is a pathological condition in which the aortic valve is rigid and narrow, and thus loses its flexibility during the opening and closing movement, forcing the heart to exert greater effort in order to pump blood through this narrow aortic valve. As a result, blood flow to the rest of the body decreases and the patient suffers from some pain. And health problems.
Professor Dr. Muhammad Ali Al-Ghannam, a consultant in open-heart surgery and minimally invasive surgery, explains that catheter-based aortic valve replacement surgery has provided an ideal solution for many patients who suffer from this problem, as it has become possible to use a catheter to change the aortic valve without performing open-heart surgery, especially in patients who They suffer from lung or kidney problems, and it is difficult for them to undergo open-heart surgery.
Cases that require changing the aortic valve via a catheter include:
- Some patients suffer from severe stenosis of the aortic valve, causing chest pain and shortness of breath.
- Patients who suffer from other health problems and cannot undergo open-heart surgery, such as respiratory patients and kidney patients.
- Replacement of a damaged biological valve that does not function.
How is the catheter valve replacement procedure performed?
The process of replacing the aortic valve via a catheter is performed by inserting a thin tube into the chest. The replacement valve is inserted through the tube and replaced in one of the blood vessels and extends all the way to the aortic valve in the heart. The new biological valve is then implanted and the doctor places it in the area of the aortic valve using X-rays that This enables him to guide the catheter to the desired position, then he inflates the balloon to install the new valve, the catheter is withdrawn and the new valve is left in place.
Where to insert the catheter?
- The catheter can be inserted through the blood vessel in the groin, which is the most common method for transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedures, due to the large artery in the groin area.
- Or it is possible to insert a catheter through the aorta on the right side of the chest after making a simple incision in this area.
- Or through the armpit through a large artery near the shoulder.
The patient needs to remain in intensive care and under observation after the transcatheter aortic valve replacement operation for one night, and he can be discharged within a few days depending on his health condition and recovery. Therefore, as is clear, this technique is a limited intervention, quick and easier than open-heart operations, and after the operation follow-up is done. See your doctor regularly to ensure the efficiency of the new valve.
Is heart valve replacement surgery dangerous?
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a procedure that has both success rates and risks, and the patient must discuss with the treating physician the most appropriate way to treat his medical condition. Some risks that may occur from transcatheter aortic valve replacement, such as:
- Infection occurs.
- Bleeding occurs.
- Heart attack or stroke.
- Irregular heartbeat, which can be treated by installing a pacemaker.
- Problems may occur with the new biological valve, such as it leaking or slipping, so you must follow up regularly with the treating physician after the operation.
Therefore, the catheter aortic valve replacement operation must be performed with a doctor who has sufficient experience and high skill for this type, such as Dr. Muhammad Al-Ghannam, a consultant in cardiac and minimally invasive surgery. He follows the highest standards of safety, security, and infection control to ensure the patient’s safety and faster recovery.
How long does the valve change process take?
In contrast to traditional SAVR open-heart surgeries, which can last up to three or four hours, transcatheter aortic valve repairs take much less time, are less painful for the patient, and the recovery period is faster, because the opening through which the catheter is inserted It is very small compared to the large thoracotomy made during open heart surgeries on the patient.
After valve replacement
After the procedure, the patient will feel much better, and will not feel chest pain or shortness of breath. He will also be able to go about his daily activities after a short period without any problems, but he must adhere to taking the blood-thinning medications that the doctor prescribes for him after the procedure.
After the catheter valve replacement procedure, the patient is committed to eating healthy food, maintaining weight, and avoiding smoking and stress.
Professor Dr. Muhammad Ali Al-Ghannam, Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Ain Shams University, confirms that the success rate of catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) operations is high if they are performed by a medical team with experience and competence and in specialized centers equipped for that.
