An overview of Annuloplasty
An annuloplasty is a medical procedure performed on the valves in the heart. The purpose of the procedure is to reshape, reinforce, or tighten the ring (annulus) around the valve, which may have become widened or deformed due to heart enlargement or a leaky valve (valve regurgitation). The procedure is designed to correct any issues with the valve function and prevent blood from leaking backward through the valve.
What is Annuloplasty used for?
An annuloplasty is a procedure used to repair a damaged or diseased heart valve by reshaping, reinforcing, or tightening the ring (annulus) around the valve. It is typically done to address valve issues such as widening of the annulus, which can cause the valve flaps to not open and close correctly, resulting in blood leakage. An annuloplasty can be performed during open-heart surgery or minimally invasive heart surgery and may be combined with other techniques to fix the valve.
How is Annuloplasty conducted?
An annuloplasty is a surgical procedure, not a test. During an annuloplasty, a heart surgeon measures the size of the existing ring around the valve and then sews a band to the existing ring to reshape, reinforce, or tighten it. The band may be rigid or flexible, depending on the needs of the patient. An annuloplasty is typically performed during open-heart surgery or minimally invasive heart surgery.
Understanding the report
Annuloplasty is a procedure to reshape, reinforce, or tighten the ring (annulus) around a valve in the heart. It is performed to fix a damaged or diseased heart valve, which may result in a widened ring or improper valve functioning. The results of an annuloplasty are typically interpreted based on the improvement in valve function and the resolution of associated symptoms. Successful annuloplasty results in better valve function, reduced leakage or regurgitation, and normalized blood flow. Patients may experience relief from symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling. The choice of a rigid or flexible band depends on the specific condition and the surgeon's preference.