In a remarkable medical feat, a 71-year-old man from Odisha has undergone a rare heart procedure that involved the recreation of his aortic valve. This groundbreaking surgery was carried out by the medical team at PSRI Hospital in New Delhi to avert a life-threatening situation.
Critical Condition: Urgency and Diagnosis
The patient was admitted due to severe chest pain and shortness of breath, indicating a critical cardiovascular condition. Upon examination, doctors discovered an abnormally dilated major artery, posing an imminent risk of rupture. The major artery, responsible for supplying blood to the heart, had ballooned to a diameter of 5.7 cm, far exceeding the usual diameter of 2.5 cm.
Traditional Approaches and Risks
Traditionally, valve replacement procedures involve implanting either a metal valve or an animal valve. However, in this case, the patient’s condition was too severe for standard approaches. The massive dilation and a visible tear on the valve escalated the mortality risk to a staggering 50 percent within 24 hours if left untreated. Both traditional options came with inherent risks of thromboembolism (blood clot) and valve degeneration.
Innovative Approach: Valve Sparing Root Replacement
To address this complex and life-threatening problem, the medical team, led by Dr. Rahul Chandola, a Cardiothoracic Surgeon at PSRI Hospital, recognized the need for a novel approach. They decided to reconstruct the entire aortic valve and aortic structure, opting for a technique known as Valve Sparing Root Replacement.
During this procedure, named after Dr. Tirone David who initially conceived it, the patient is placed on a heart-lung machine (cardiopulmonary bypass) which temporarily takes over the heart and lung functions. The surgery involves refashioning the patient’s native aortic valve and reimplanting it inside a dacron graft, a synthetic polyester graft stitched in the aorta of the heart.
The Benefits and Success of the Surgery
Dr. Rahul Chandola, the lead surgeon, emphasized the immense benefits of this innovative approach. Patients undergoing valve reimplantation experience a significantly improved quality of life without the need for blood thinners, minimizing the chances of valve-related issues in the future. The use of the patient’s native valve eliminates the necessity for anticoagulant medication for life, a crucial advantage over conventional operations.
A Complex and Collaborative Effort
The surgery, lasting approximately six and a half hours, was a marvel of medical skill and dedication. The complexity of the procedure required substantial backend work, totaling 12 hours. A dedicated team of 11 to 12 medical professionals worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this life-saving intervention.
This successful surgery not only saved a life but also showcased the potential of innovative medical procedures that can drastically improve the quality of life for patients with critical heart conditions. The medical community looks forward to more such groundbreaking approaches that offer hope and healing to those in need.