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Annuloplasty
What Is Annuloplasty?
Annuloplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at repairing and reinforcing the annulus—the ring-like structure surrounding a heart valve—to restore its proper function. This technique is commonly employed to treat conditions where the valve's annulus has become dilated or misshapen, leading to valve dysfunction. By reshaping or tightening the annulus, annuloplasty helps the valve close more effectively, preventing the backward flow of blood and improving overall heart function.
What Does Annuloplasty Treat?
Annuloplasty is primarily used to address valvular heart diseases that result in improper closure of the heart valves, leading to regurgitation (backward blood flow). The specific conditions treated include:
Mitral Valve Regurgitation: Occurs when the mitral valve between the left atrium and left ventricle fails to close properly, causing blood to leak backward into the left atrium.
Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation: Involves the tricuspid valve between the right atrium and right ventricle not closing adequately, leading to blood flowing back into the right atrium.
Aortic Valve Regurgitation: Happens when the aortic valve does not close tightly, allowing blood to flow backward into the left ventricle from the aorta.
Who is a Suitable Candidate for Annuloplasty?
Not all patients with valve regurgitation are suitable candidates for annuloplasty. Ideal candidates typically have:
Severe Valve Regurgitation: Significant leakage that leads to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or heart failure.
Valve Anatomy Amenable to Repair: The valve structure should be suitable for repair rather than requiring full replacement.
Overall Good Health: Patients should be in a condition that allows them to undergo surgery and the associated recovery process.
A thorough evaluation, including imaging studies like echocardiograms, will be conducted by your doctor to determine if annuloplasty is the appropriate treatment for your condition.
How is Annuloplasty Performed?
Annuloplasty can be performed using traditional open-heart surgery or minimally invasive techniques. The general steps include:
1.
Preparation: The patient is administered general anaesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure.
2.
Accessing the Heart: The doctor makes an incision in the chest to reach the affected heart valve.
3.
Reshaping the Annulus: A prosthetic ring or band made of materials like metal, plastic, or mesh is sewn around the valve's annulus to reshape and reinforce it. This ring remains in place permanently to support the valve's structure.
4.
Closing the Incision: After the repair, the incision is closed with stitches, and the patient is moved to a recovery area for monitoring.
What to Expect Before and After Annuloplasty
Consultation: Your doctor will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and conduct imaging studies to assess the severity of valve regurgitation.
Preoperative Instructions: You may be advised to fast for a certain period before surgery and adjust any medications as directed by your healthcare provider.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Annuloplasty can provide long-lasting relief, but ongoing monitoring is essential to ensure the valve continues to function properly.