Pictured from left to right are: Kevin Barnes-Edwards, Matt Chreene-Edwards, Dr. Spanner-Edwards, Cindy Langley RN-CIS, Dr. Louis Salvaggio-CIS, Ryan Roach RN-LGH, Sasha Pete RT-LGH, Dr. Krishna Nagendran-CIS, Dr. Wade May-CIS; Anthony Lambing RT-LGH, Meaghan Larimer RN-LGH, Josh Taylor RT-LGH, Kaitlin Thibodeaux RT-LGH Ethel Paddio Sonographer LGH, and Kadi Bougeois RT-LGH.
LAFAYETTE- Dr. Louis Salvaggio, interventional cardiologist at Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS), is first in Acadiana to perform a rare mitral valve-in-valve replacement. The procedure took place on June 8 at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center.
Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) is a minimally-invasive option for high-risk patients to replace a failing mitral valve with an artificial one to restore natural blood flow through the heart. The mitral valve is one of the four valves of the heart located between the left atrium and left ventricle.
This procedure is unique in that the patient had already undergone a previous surgical valve replacement, making this a “valve-in-valve” case. As opposed to surgical valve replacement, TMVR was used to replace the valve, eliminating the need for open heart surgery a second time, and using a catheter-based technique to go through the groin, meaning a faster recovery for the patient. During mitral valve-in-valve replacement, a catheter balloon expands and secures the TMVR valve within the failing mitral valve. The catheter is then removed and the new valve remains in place to take over the job of regulating blood flow from the heart. In this case, the Edwards SAPIEN valve was used.
“This is a great procedure for patients who are too sick for surgery,” explained Dr. Salvaggio. “It carries a lower risk than repeat open heart surgery with similar benefits. We are happy to now have it available at Ochsner Lafayette General.”
Valve replacements treat severe stenosis, a narrowing of the valve opening of the heart. Symptoms of valve stenosis include:
- Heart murmur
- Pain, pressure or tightness in the chest (angina)
- Fainting or feeling light-headed or dizzy with activity
- Fatigue with activity
- Heart palpitations, particularly a rapid or fluttering heartbeat
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