Annuloplasty

Annuloplasty is a surgical procedure used to repair the annulus, which is the ring-like structure that supports the mitral or tricuspid valve in the heart.

Purpose of Annuloplasty

The primary purpose of annuloplasty is to treat mitral regurgitation (MR) or tricuspid regurgitation (TR), conditions where the valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the heart. This can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and feet.

Types of Annuloplasty

There are two main types of annuloplasty:

• Ring Annuloplasty: This involves implanting a rigid or flexible ring around the annulus to support the valve and improve its function.
• Suture Annuloplasty: This involves using sutures to tighten the annulus and reshape it, without implanting a ring.

Procedure

The annuloplasty procedure typically involves:

• Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to divert blood flow from the heart and lungs during surgery
• Incision in the chest to access the heart
• Repair of the valve, which may involve removing or repairing damaged tissue
• Implantation of a ring or use of sutures to support the annulus
• Closure of the incision and removal from CPB

Benefits and Risks

The benefits of annuloplasty include:

• Improved valve function and reduction of regurgitation
• Relief of symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue
• Improved quality of life

The risks of annuloplasty include:

• Bleeding or hemorrhage
• Infection
• Stroke or neurological complications
• Death

Recovery and Follow-up

After annuloplasty, patients typically require:

• Hospital stay of several days to monitor for complications
• Anticoagulation therapy to prevent blood clots
• Follow-up appointments with their cardiologist or surgeon to monitor valve function and overall health

Outcomes

The outcomes of annuloplasty vary depending on the individual patient and the severity of their condition. In general, annuloplasty can be an effective treatment for mitral or tricuspid regurgitation, with:

• High success rates in improving valve function and reducing symptoms
• Low risk of complications and mortality
• Improved quality of life and increased survival rates