Valvular program

  • أغسطس 5, 2019
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The unit deals with any condition caused by any defect or abnormalities in heart valves, wall or muscle.

It is important to identify and treat structural heart disease in as soon as possible. If left untreated it can lead to heart failure and other serious complications.

Symptoms of heart valve problems can vary by individual and may or may not always be identifiable. In many cases, symptoms may worsen over time. For some, this gradual worsening of symptoms makes it hard to identify a specific issue. Other individuals may not experience symptoms at all.

The most common symptoms are:
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Swelling of feet and ankles
  • Chest pain
  • Palpitations
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness.
Diagnosis of Structural Heart Disease is through
  • Physical examination: May reveal an unusual heart sound that can be heard with a stethoscope.
  • Electrocardiogram: Records the electrical activity of the heart; this test can detect heart chamber enlargement or abnormal heart rhythm.
  • Echocardiography: Creates a two-dimensional picture, using Doppler ultrasound, of the heart muscle, valves and surrounding structures.

Treatment

The best treatment for valvular heart disease depends on the type and severity of the diagnosis. People with minor or less severe heart valve problems may not require invasive treatment, but instead can be monitored by their doctors with scheduled outpatient care. Some of these patients may be treated with medications. However, if the valve disease becomes severe, surgery may be necessary.

TAVI

A procedures that fixes your aortic valve, where the valve cannot open and close properly which puts extra strain on your heart, so this procedure helps to implant an aortic valve using a catheter.

EVAR:

The surgery repairs an aneurysm that is formed in the aorta, which is like a balloon in one of the most important vessels in your body, when the aneurysm enlarges it stretches the walls of the artery which comprises the wall’s ability to stretch any further which can cause the aneurysm to rupture causing fatal bleeding, this procedure is to prevent such thing from happening.

TEVAR:

It is a minimally invasive procedure that treats the aorta, by placing a stent graft through a small hole; it helps keeping the aorta open and allows proper blood flow to the rest of the body.

Other surgeries carried out in our structural unit:

Aortic dissection

An aortic dissection is a serious condition in which the inner layer of the aorta, the large blood vessel branching off the heart, tears. Blood surges through the tear, causing the inner and middle layers of the aorta to separate (dissect).

Two techniques may be used for surgery:

  • Standard, open surgery. This requires a surgical incision that is made in the chest or abdomen.
  • Endovascular aortic repair. This surgery is done without any major surgical incisions.

Drugs that lower blood pressure may be prescribed. These drugs may be given through a vein (intravenously). Beta-blockers are the first drugs of choice. Strong pain relievers are very often needed along with immediate intervention.