Heart Valve: Frequently Asked Questions
What is heart valve damage?
Heart valve damage ("valvulopathy") is the most common injury from the use of fen-phen. Valvulopathy occurs when the heart-valves (typically the aortic and mitral valves) do not open and close properly, causing regurgitation of blood. If the valves are seriously impaired, secondary pulmonary hypertension may result.
Source: www.elslaw.com
What is Valve Heart Disease?
There are four major valves controlling the flow of blood into, out of, and between the four chambers of the heart. Several disease processes, including infection and toxicity, may damage the valves, causing them to malfunction, and may produce severe heart and/or lung disease.
Source: www.sloanmonsour.com
What is Heart Valve Surgery?
Heart valves may either be repaired or replaced, depending on the damage. These operations have become very common and are done to improve the health, quality and longevity of life for those who have heart valve disease. Sometimes the surgeon can restore the valve to function normally by remodeling the tissue removing stretched tissue or sewing the edges. Prosthetic or artificial rings are used to narrow a dilated valve and to reinforce valve repairs. ...
Source: www.saheart.net
When is heart valve damage serious?
Heart valve damage, which is also called valvulopathy, is the most common damage caused by the combination of phentermine and fenfluramine. In most cases, this occurs when the heart-valves do not close properly, which causes a leakage of blood at the valve (also known as regurgitation). While this is not usually a serious problem, if the valves are badly damaged by the Phen Fen, pulmonary hypertension may result. This type of hypertension is known as SPH or Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension.
Source: www.monheit.com
What materials are in the Carbomedics Prosthetic Heart Valve?
The valve housing and leaflets are made of Pyrolite carbon, a unique form of carbon which Carbomedics engineers discovered in the sixties. Attached to the carbon housing is a reinforcing band of titanium and attached to the titanium band is a suture ring of PET fabric. A metallic nitinol wire holds the titanium ring to the housing with an interference groove system.
Source: www.carbomedics.com
What are my options in heart valve replacement?
When a patient needs a heart valve replacement, two types are available, mechanical and tissue. Tissue valves are made of either cow (bovine) tissue or pig (porcine) tissue. Mechanical valves are made from materials such as ceramic-coated graphite, metal, or plastics.
Source: www.carbomedics.com
DOES PHENTERMINE CAUSE HEART VALVE DAMAGE?
NO, there are no cases of heart valve disease in patients taking Phentermine. All cases have involved only the fenfluramines (Pondimin or Redux). Also, it was not the combination of Phentermine with the Fenfluramines as originally thought. The Fenfluramines are the only diet pills which are known to cause Heart Valve Disease and have been taken off the market.
Source: www.ableweightloss.com
NO, there are no cases of heart valve disease in patients taking Phentermine. All cases have involved only the fenfluramines (Pondimin or Redux). Also, it was not the combination of Phetermine with the Fenfluramines as originally thought. The Fenfluramines are the only diet pills which are known to cause Heart Valve Disease and have been taken off the market.
Source: fatdesolve.com
What are the signs of Heart Valve Disease?
The occurrence of a new heart murmur (abnormal sound as the blood flows over a valve) is usually the first indication of the development of valvular heart disease. Abnormal valve function may then be evaluated by a painless, non-invasive test called echocardiography, usually performed by a cardiologist. More severe symptoms of the disease include shortness of breath, loss of tolerance to physical activity, and fluid retention in the legs and lungs.
Source: www.sloanmonsour.com
Is Heart Valve Disease Reversible?
Presently, good data is not available to answer this question.
Source: www.sloanmonsour.com
How is Heart Valve Disease Treated?
In some instances, medication can control the heart failure associated with valvular damage. In others, surgery to replace the valves with artificial valves may be necessary.
Source: www.sloanmonsour.com
What Causes a Heart Valve Problem?
There are several things that can cause problems with your heart valves. A heart valve may have a mild defect at birth that will slightly weaken the valve and affect blood flow. Over time, this leads to failure of the valve. Diseases like rheumatic fever or bacterial infections may scar or destroy the valve. Aging and normal wear and tear of tissues will weaken or harden heart valves. A human heart beats more than 100,000 times a day. Your heart valves have been opening and closing with each heart beat for your entire life. ...
Source: www.saheart.net
What are the indications for implantation of the Mitroflow Aortic Pericardial Heart Valve?
The Mitroflow valve is intended for the replacement of malfunctioning aortic valves. The Mitroflow valve is suggested for use in those patients where long-term anticoagulation therapy may be undesirable for a variety of reasons, such as patients living in remote areas, patients with gastrointestinal or other bleeding problems, patients who may be expected to undergo other surgery, elderly patients and others where difficulty may be expected with anticoagulants, for social, or other medical reasons.
Source: www.carbomedics.com
What are the heart valve abnormalities associated with the use of Phen Fen?
Heart valve abnormalities that have appeared in some diet drug users occur in the two valves located
on the left side of the heart. These valves are known as the aortic valve and the mitral valve. In some diet drug users, one or both of the valves developed lesions that prevent the valves from closing properly. This allows the blood to flow backwards, creating a condition known as “regurgitation
"
Source: www.monheit.com
What is the echo appearance of the Carbomedics Prosthetic Heart Valve?
There are four pivot washing jets; one for each of the four pivots. The jets are most easily seen in the mitral valve. Using transesophageal echocardiography allows one to see how the appearance of the jets varies when viewed from different angles (A). When the pivots are on either side of the display screen, the jets converge over the center of the valve. When the valve is viewed across the pivots with the pivots in the center of the screen, two jets can be seen diverging (B). ...
Source: www.carbomedics.com
Does the CarboMedics Prosthetic Heart Valve or packaging contain latex?
There is no latex in the valve or in the packaging. Furthermore, valve assemblers do not wear latex gloves.
Source: www.carbomedics.com
Why is the valve procedure a preferred option to open-heart surgery?
Traditionally, open-heart surgery has been required to correct the problem by inserting replacement valves, but this carries difficulties for patients as it normally involves opening up the chest, cutting through the sternum (breast bone) and several weeks of recovery. Replacement valves also degrade and the original problem returns. Therefore, with open-heart surgery the valves are replaced less frequently than is clinically ideal, which can compromise the patient’s quality of life.
Source: www.ich.ucl.ac.uk
When was the first Mitroflow Aortic Pericardial Heart Valve implanted?
The first implant of the Mitroflow valve occurred in March of 1982 and was performed by Dr. Carlos Duran at Hospital Marques de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain.
Source: www.carbomedics.com
What are the advantages of the Mitroflow Aortic Pericardial Heart Valve?
The primary advantages of the Mitroflow valve are performance and durability. The Mitroflow valve provides the hemodynamic performance of a stentless valve while reducing the need for long cross-clamp time and complex implantation technique. The unique mounting of the pericardium on the outside of the stent allows for maximum valve opening and optimum blood flow. The sewing cuff allows placement in smaller aortic annuli, resulting in better hemodynamics. The valve can be inserted within or above the annulus.
Source: www.carbomedics.com
How long will my heart valve last?
Mechanical valves in some patients have lasted as long as 25 years without problems. 1 So, it is possible that your new artificial valve could last for the rest of your life. But in some cases, a valve has to be replaced within a matter of years or months, for a number of reasons. Mechanical valves are more resistant to the constant demands on them, such as opening and closing each time your heart beats. The materials used in mechanical valves stand up well to this wear and tear. ...
Source: www.medtronic.com
How does one prepare for heart valve surgery?
Both you and your family should have sufficient information about the operation and hospital procedure to relieve your natural anxiety. You should feel free to discuss any concerns with the doctor. Because procedures vary from one hospital to another, be sure to find out about visiting hours, discussions with physicians and any other hospital related concerns you may have.
Source: www.drgokhalectassociates.in
What valve orientation is recommended for use with the ATS Open Pivot Heart Valve?
There is no hemodynamic data to support a specific orientation of the ATS Open Pivot Heart Valve in either the aortic or mitral position. However, surgeons frequently report using an anti-anatomical orientation in the mitral position and an orientation perpendicular to the septum in the aortic position.
Source: www.atsmedical.com
What is the ATS Open Pivot Heart Valve made of?
The ATS Open Pivot Heart Valve is made of biocompatible carbon surrounded by a polyester fabric ring. The fabric ring is used to sew or attach the mechanical valve to the patient’s heart tissues.
Source: www.atsmedical.com
How is the ATS Open Pivot Heart Valve sized?
To size for the ATS Open Pivot Standard Heart Valve, gently pass the end of the sizer ring through the patient’s annulus. The sizer should pass through without resistance yet still provide a snug fit between the sizer ring and tissue annulus. Care should be taken to not “oversize” the valve. To size for the ATS Open Pivot AP Series Heart Valves, first use the cylindrical ring to approximate the size of the patient’s annulus by gently passing the sizer through the annulus. ...
Source: www.atsmedical.com
What is the durability of a mitral heart valve repair?
After mitral valve repair, 95% of patients are free of re-operation at 10 years, and this statistic is similar at 20 years. Thus, re-operation is uncommon after a successful mitral heart valve repair. An echocardiogram is recommended annually to assess valve function. In addition, patients who had valve surgery must take antibiotics before dental or other procedures to prevent infection and reduce the risk of endocarditis (an infection of the heart valve).
Source: www.amh.org
What tests are done to diagnosis heart valve disease?
There are several tests that provide valuable information while looking at different aspects of heart function. 1. Auscultation which is listening with a stethoscope. This allows us to identify murmurs due to the improper closure of heart valves based on the murmur’s location and intensity. In addition, we can detect abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias and dysrhythmias) and evaluate lung sounds. 2. Blood and urine tests. ...
Source: www.caledonvet.com
Is CHF due mainly to heart valve disease?
CHF is most commonly caused by valvular insufficiency. It is estimated that 80% of the canine CHF cases are caused by MVI. However, there are many other causes. Disease of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), irregularities of rhythm and narrowing of some of the major blood vessels can also cause CHF.
Source: www.caledonvet.com
How Do I Prepare for Heart Valve Surgery?
Feeling anxious is very natural when considering any type of operation. You can reduce your anxiety by resting, eating well, limiting exercise, and talking to the health care professionals who are handling your case. Having the procedure explained to you, voicing your concerns, and getting your questions answered will help put you at ease. Being well informed will help you feel more relaxed as the procedure draws near. It is best to get specific information about your own case from your doctor.
Source: www.saheart.net
What are the available sizes and positions of the Mitroflow Aortic Pericardial Heart Valve?
The Mitroflow heart valve is available for the aortic position in sizes: 19mm, 21mm, 23mm, 25mm, 27mm and 29mm
Source: www.carbomedics.com
What kind of treatment is available if my heart has valve damage?
Depending on the type of damage, your doctor may prescribe different types of treatment. For valve injuries, some are treatable. For example, a slight valve impairment might result simply in getting yearly echocardiograms to ensure that the problem is not worsening. Some doctors may also decide to place you on antibiotics before any invasive medical procedures, to help your immune system compensate for the reduced ability of your heart to properly circulate blood and because of the regurgitation problem. ...
Source: www.monheit.com
