Overview
A leaky heart valve is a condition which occurs when something is wrong with heart valve’s flaps, also known as leaflets which control the flow and direction of blood. This results in blood flowing in two directions when it should only flow in one. This puts unnecessary burden on the heart and keeps it from pumping the blood properly in the right amount. A leaky heart valve is also known as mitral regurgitation, and can happen suddenly or develop gradually over the years. The extent of the problems will decide whether the problem can be treated with just medications or some other treatment is needed. Cardiac surgeons in Gurgaon say that repair or valve replacement are options, but replacement is easier than repair, so most doctors would prefer it. It all depends upon the actual condition of the individual.
Treatment Options
Repair and replacement are the only treatments if the cardiologists decide that medication isn’t working. Repairing a damaged valve can be done in various ways, including:
Annuloplasty: A special ring is put around the valve to make it close right.MitraClip: A small cut is made in your groin, and the clip is pushed up to your heart through a thin tube. It clips a small area of the flaps together to limit the leak.Patching: If there are holes or tears in the valve's flap-like doors, a tissue patch is put in place to cover them.Repair of structural support: The cords and muscles that support the valve are replaced or shortened to make the edges of the flap meet. Once they're the right length, the valve will seal as it should.
Reshaping: Part of the flap is cut out, and then it's sewn back together in the right shape.But as mentioned above, repair can get more complicated than valve replacement. In addition, valves cannot be repaired every time. Some valves are already beyond repair. Replacement involves removing the old valve and implanting a new valve, which usually lasts 10 to 15 years. The valves can be mechanical/man-made, or made from specially treated tissue from the heart of a pig, a cow, or another person. According to heart specialists in Gurgaon, replacement can be done via 2 procedures:
- Ross procedure:A problem aortic valve is swapped out with your pulmonary valve, which is the same shape. You'll get a new pulmonary valve from a human donor.
- Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: This procedure is done through small cuts, so your chest bones don't have to be separated. A new flexible valve is carried to your heart through a thin tube.
There are hospitals in Gurgaon and Delhi NCR which have the top cardiologists in India.