Dr Pavan Kumar, Cardiovascular Surgeon, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai has successfully performed an aortic heart valve replacement surgery. The patient’s aortic valve was replaced with fourth generation bio-prosthetic heart valve.
With introduction of this bio- prosthetic heart valve (Trifecta Valve), patients of heart valve disease especially beyond their fifties and ladies in child bearing age will have tremendous relief now. This valve eliminates anti-coagulation treatment after implantation. This removes all side effects and consequent complications of anti-coagulation treatment in long term for patients with mechanical heart valve prosthesis. They also provide quality life with drug free post operation period (No anti-coagulation is required). They are silent as compared to mechanical valves which make quite a noise which can be unbearable at times especially at nights.
Facts suggest that presently among all heart diseases 35 to 40 per cent patients suffer from heart valve disease. This is mainly due to post rheumatic infection in childhood or by birth malformations in valves. In elderly patients, this can be degenerative disease of valve. In India, more than 1,50,000 patients undergo heart valve operations of repair and replacement every year. This is usually considered as safe heart operation with mortality of less than four per cent in experienced surgeons and good centres.
Dr Kumar said, “The latest trend is towards the use of Biological valve (Tissue Heart Valve) similar to western world now, as patients demand drug free post-operative period.” After studying the clinical data and careful evaluation of manufacturing, designing of this valve, he said that this fourth generation prosthesis is probably the best for heart patients.
EH News Bureau