A diabetic patient undergone CABG having aortic valve problem.Cardiologist suggested valve replacement
Can be cured by valve replacement... alternatively, if you can't/won't go through open heart surgery then you may be able to get valvuloplasty. A balloon is used to stretch the valve open. This does not last nearly as long as replacement, but avoids surgery. A third alternative would be to contact one of the percutaneous valve REPLACEMENT centers (Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, Columbia). This is an experimental procedure which replaces the valve using catheters instead of surgery. Advice offered here is not meant to be a replacement for proper evaluation and examination by a qualified medical professional and should not be construed as such.
Today, there are two types of prosthetic valves used for replacement: mechanical or tissue. Mechanical Valves A mechanical valve is carefully designed to mimic the native heart valve. It has a ring, like your own natural heart valve, to support the leaflets. Like your own heart valve, the mechanical valve opens and closes with each heartbeat, permitting proper blood flow through the heart. To prevent any blood clots from developing on the valve, which can cause complications, a mechanical valve replacement requires you to take anticoagulation medicine (blood thinners) daily. The dosage of this medication is different for each person, so you will be closely monitored to make sure you are on the correct dosage for you. Regular blood tests will be performed at the physician's office, an anticoagulation clinic, or at home with a specialized testing kit. Tissue Valves The tissue valve is a native valve taken from an animal. Once the tissue is explanted (removed), it is chemically treated and prepared for human use. Some tissue valves have a frame, or stent, that supports the valve, and some valves are stentless (no framework). A very thin polyester mesh cuff is sewn around the outside of the valve for easier implantation. Eliminating the stent makes it possible for the surgeon to implant a larger valve. Larger valves generally provide more surface area for blood flow; this allows more blood to flow through the valve to accommodate the body's needs. Homografts or Allografts A homograft or allograft is a human valve obtained from a donor. This type of valve is particularly beneficial for pregnant women and children, because it does not require long-term anticoagulation therapy. In addition, it can provide excellent hemodynamic performance, allowing for natural function of the surrounding structures. Because the availability of these valves depends on donors, supply is limited. Take care always
