Newly invented cardiac tissue valve technology extends valve lifespan exceeding 30 years, allowing valvular heart disease patients of all ages to be able to return to their normal routines.
Newly invented cardiac tissue valve technology extends valve lifespan exceeding 30 years, allowing valvular heart disease patients of all ages to be able to return to their normal routines.
Cardiovascular disease, dubbed ‘the silent killer’, is responsible for 32% of total deaths worldwide and making it the leading cause of death globally. World Health Organization data from 2020 shows annual cardiovascular deaths have reached 17.9 million. The Royal Thai Ministry of Public Health found in 2018 that over 400,000 Thais suffered from cardiovascular disease, which resulted in over 20,000 deaths per year, equating to average of nearly 60 deaths per day.
World Heart Day was recently celebrated. Public & private sectors campaigned to raise awareness of heart diseases. People are encouraged to adjust lifestyle to lower the risk of developing heart diseases, which are the top leading cause of death worldwide.
Assistant Professor Dr. Boonlawat Homvises, a specialist in heart and lung surgery at Thammasat University Chalermprakiat Hospital, states that heart disease refers to various ailments affecting the functioning of the heart, which has 4 valves, namely the mitral, tricuspid, aortic and pulmonary valves. Each valve allows unidirectional blood-flow through the heart. Blood flows from the heart to the aorta via the aortic valve and the pulmonary artery via the pulmonary valve.
Valvular heart disease occurs when one or more heart valves starts to fail. This serious condition can be fatal because the heart valve(s) do not open or close properly. As a result, the blood flow from the heart to the body is disrupted and the body cannot receive the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function. This condition puts additional stress on the heart and causes the heart muscle to work harder, leading to more severe conditions, like hyperemia, and if left untreated, can cause severe blood flow problems including heart failure or stroke.
Valvular heart disease can occur at any age and can be caused by many factors, such as endocarditis, which is caused by the infection of valve tissue, rheumatic disease, congenital heart valve disease, and calcification of the heart valves. The abnormal opening or closing of the heart valves can lead to heart valve leaks. A patient with such a condition may present with tiredness and chest pain, cough producing bloody sputum, dizziness, fainting, chest pain which radiates to the left arm or abdomen, arrhythmia, palpitations, and swollen ankles.
There are two prominent treatment methods for valvular heart disease. First, valve repair surgery can repair the damaged valves. Second, heart valve replacement surgery replaces the problematic valves. Further, there are two types of replacement heart valves: mechanical valves made of metal or iron, and tissue valves, which are made from animal tissue.
Mike Lin, Managing Director of Edwards Lifesciences Southeast Asia, said “Edwards Lifesciences is a global leader in medical device innovation focused on treating structural cardiac disorders and has over 60 years of experience developing new therapies, such as non-surgical valve replacement procedures like TAVI – Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implant therapy, and advanced critical care monitoring platforms. Edwards Lifesciences partners with leading heart centers around the world. We coordinate closely with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, including heart surgeons and cardiologists.
California-based Edwards Lifesciences pioneered the world’s first artificial heart valve in 1960 and is now the world’s leading manufacturer of heart valves. Recently, Edwards Lifesciences developed new tissue valve technology and Thai doctors are successfully treating Thai patients with it. This technology reduces tissue valve calcification, extending the useful life of the valve from a 10 – 15 year window over 30 years.
Assistant Professor Dr. Boonlawat Homvises said, that in the past, more than 80% of doctors would choose tissue valves for those 65 years and older, while choosing mechanical valves for younger patients, as they have longer lifespans than tissue valves. Doctors primarily consider patient age and other associated factors to minimize deterioration. However, the use of mechanical valves also has some limitations as patients must take anticoagulants for the rest of their lives. These medications are aimed to minimize the buildup of deposits on the mechanical valves to promote proper movements in each heartbeat. So, regular blood tests are required to ensure the efficacy of the prescribed blood thinner medications. As a result, patients must make significant lifestyle changes to monitor their diet and avoid activities that may cause external or internal injuries or bleeding to a minimum.
The new tissue valve was developed for patients of all ages. It lasts longer and reduces surgical complications. The new tissue valve is best for patients who do not wish to take medicines for the rest of their lives, enjoy sports and exercise, and who expect to have children. It is also good for patients who live far from hospitals as they have less access to routine blood tests to adjust their blood thinner medications.
“Currently, there are many patients who have undiagnosed heart valve problems, and we should continue to educate the public and raise awareness about heart disease and options to treat it. Those at risk include people who have congenital valve disease or experienced rheumatic fever earlier in life. People over 60 years of age may also be at risk as well due to age-related heart valve degeneration. Moreover, those with underlying medical conditions such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes should have their heart examined regularly. Lastly, those over 40 with long term exposure to unhealthy behaviors such as diets high in saturated fats, smoking, or drinking, should undergo annual physical examinations so doctors can detect symptoms at the earliest possible moment” Assistant Professor Dr. Boonlawat Homvises concluded.
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