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The Latest Advancements in Heart Valve Replacement Technologies

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The Latest Advancements in Heart Valve Replacement Technologies

Cardiac Surgery | by Dr. Ratan Kumar Das | Published on 01/04/2024


Introduction

The heart is one of the most important organs of the human body that beats in rhythmic sounds, fuelling life throughout our bodies. However, for millions of people across the world heart valve diseases interfere with this significant rhythm. Recently, the medical field has seen remarkable advancement in heart valve replacement, providing renewed hope, and an improved quality of life for people in need.

It is essential to make people aware of these advancements so that they can utilize them and enjoy the benefits of them. The recent developments in heart valve replacement technology involve TAVR, bioengineered valves, and reshaping cardiovascular telemedicine. These technological advancements in the medical field help improve survival rates and enhance the quality of life for people across the world. If you are experiencing any heart-related disease, then you must book your appointment with one of the best cardiologists in Kolkata, BM Birla Heart Research Center. You will find the best diagnosis and treatment solutions that are right for you.

In this blog, we will involve a comprehensive discussion on heart valve replacement technologies for your better understanding. However, kindly note that this writer is only for informative purposes and we do not encourage overlooking the doctor's consultations in any way.

What are the technologies in heart valve replacement?

Medical advancements have been progressing day by day at a rapid rate and so is the cardiology field. Here are some of the technologies in heart valve replacement:

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement

One of the substantial innovations in heart valve replacement technology is transcatheter aortic valve replacement or TAVR. In old times, the replacement of damaged aortic majorly involved heart surgery. However, with TAVR, this procedure has been transformed significantly. It is a minimally invasive technique that involves collapsible valve threading by making a small incision, usually in the groin area, and instructing it to the heart through a catheter.

Benefits of TAVR

  • TAVR is minimally invasive
  • It helps in reduced recovery times
  • The hospital stays are shorter
  • Fewer complications are experienced by the patient than the traditional surgery

Mitra clip for Mitral valve repair

This is another technological advancement in the cardiology field as the mitral plays a vital role in the complex machinery of the heart. If the mitral valve is not closed, rightly, then it can lead to mitral regurgitation and also puts additional pressure on the heart. Mitra-clip is a revolutionary device that is implanted with the assistance of a catheter to handle the problems of the mitral valve. It is a minimally invasive method that is a groundbreaking advancement for patients who are at high risk of open heart surgery. 

Benefits of mitral- clip for mitral valve repair

  • Reduce the risk of complications like infection and bleeding
  • Helps to improve symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue
  • Improved quality of life for patients, assisting them to return to their regular lives easily
  • Helpful for patients who are at high risk for traditional surgery or have any other medical condition

3-D printing precision for customized valve implants

Advancements in 3-D printing technology have led to a new era for heart valve replacement. With this technology, it has become easier for cardiologists and surgeons to design custom-made heart valve implants that match the distinctive anatomy of every patient. With this customization, it becomes easier for a healthcare professional to ensure improved fit and implant functionality.

Benefits of precision in 3-D printing for customized implants

  • This technology helps the surgeon and cardiologist to customize the implant according to the patient's anatomy.
  • Custom-made implants offer a better fit, diminishing the complication risks, and enhancing the results for patients.
  • Precise 3-D printing implants help in streamlining the surgical procedures hence reducing the surgery, time, and recovery.
  • This technology allows the complex fabrication of implant designs that are not feasible with conventional manufacturing techniques.
  • Custom-made implants can integrate patient-specific features like marking surfaces, textures, logos, etc. improving the functionality.
  • Initially, the setup cost of precision in 3-D printing might be higher, but eventually, it helps in reducing overall healthcare costs by lessening the requirement for revisions or replacements.

Bioengineered heart valves

Substantial advances are under process by researchers in the development of bioengineered heart valves. These innovative replacements focus on recreating the natural heart valve structures and function with the use of a patient's cells or donor tissue. The purpose is to craft valves that smoothly incorporate into the cardiovascular system of a patient, reducing the rejection, risk, and complications that are long-term.

Benefits of bioengineered heart valves

  • It helps in improved longevity compared to conventional options
  • This technological advancement is intended to reduce the probability of rejection risk
  • Some bioengineered valves have the efficiency of growing and adapting with the patient, it is helpful in pediatric cases
  • This technology also assists in enhanced functionality by imitating the natural valve’s function, propelling, improving blood flow, and completing cardiac functionality

Remote monitoring and telemedicine

Advancement in valve replacement involves augmentation beyond surgical methods and implant materials. Remote monitoring and telemedicine play an important role when it comes to patient care. Implantable devices like cardiac monitors and pacemakers assist in transmitting real-time data to healthcare experts, allowing them to proactively intervene with the anomalies and complications. Telemedicine technology enables patients to get in touch with the healthcare specialist from their houses, diminishing the requirement for regular hospital visits. It is mainly helpful for people who are in remote areas or with restricted mobility, simplifying, post-operative care and follow-ups, that are long-term, and guarantee, regular support throughout the patient's recovery.

Benefits of remote monitoring and telemedicine

  • Remote monitoring and technology are beneficial for people receiving care, no matter what their location is.
  • Regular monitoring allows early diagnosis of health problems, assisting immediate intervention and decreasing the need for hospitalizations
  • This medical technology advancement helps reduce travel expenses and diminishes the healthcare cost for healthcare providers and patients.

Conclusion

Innovations that are being made in heart valve replacement are an amazing development for the medical field. Healthcare professionals now can provide their assistance to patients with less risk or complications linked to the procedure by further expanding their research and technology. However, there is a lot of research that needs to be done before these technological advancements can take the place of conventional procedures. Hence, it is vital to ensure continuous advancements in modern medicine and execute progressive treatments when required.

FAQs

 

What is the success rate of heart valve replacement surgery?

The heart valve replacement surgery success rate is usually high with a survival rate of around 90- 95% offering desirable results and reducing the symptoms by improving overall quality of life.

Is valve replacement open heart surgery?

Yes, heart valve replacement surgery usually comprises open heart surgery in which an incision is made to access the heart and replace the damaged or malfunctioning heart valve with a prosthetic heart.

How serious is an aortic valve replacement?

Yes, aortic valve replacement is a serious surgical method, having risks like infection, stroke, bleeding, and severe reactions to anesthesia.

What is aortic valve replacement?

Aortic valve replacement is a surgical method that involves replacing a diseased or damaged aortic valve with a prosthetic valve. 

How much does valve replacement surgery cost?

The cost of heart valve replacement surgery usually depends on certain factors like the type of valve, hospital, surgeon, expertise, preoperative test, post-operative care, etc. 

Can valve replacement cause heart failure?

There is a possibility of heart failure after a valve replacement as it is among the most common causes of all hospitalization after surgery. It is also linked to an increased mortality risk.

Can heart valve replacement be done laparoscopically?

Heart valve replacement can be done laparoscopically but is often recommended for patients with moderate risk from open-heart surgery.