Imho
Imho
Getting the valve in place by means of a catheter and having it work is still in the research phase, but doable. Soon the problem becomes how practicable is this for the majority of valve pts. Would a person who is a candidate for a repair choose a catheter valve or go for a tradition OHS? Obviously, a pt. with a mech. valve could not utilize a catheter placed valve, but since the newest mech. valve don’t wear out there would be no reason for its use in a mech. valve pt. In the rare case where a mech. valve would need replacing, it would have to be done the traditional way. The bigger obstacle to overcome, is how to redo a catheter implanted valve, with another catheter implanted valve. Since there is no long term data on how these compressed valves last, this will be of major importance in determining the effectiveness of this solution. This is of particular concern When working with a small child’s heart, because of the small diameter of the valve opening. Once that small diameter catheter valve is placed, it will not grow as normal valve would. As the rest of the heart grows normally, by definition a catheter implanted valve would become stenotic.
As far as the “Rotorooter” method of explanting an existing valve much like a TURP procedure, that is a long way off because of the problem already pinpointed. However,
several stent manufactures are working on filters that open up like umbrellas, with the point of the umbrella pointing downstream in the blood flow. They have met with mixed results. The most difficult being how do you work in a small space, while at the same time “fishing” around all the catheter lines necessary to get a specific job done.
Let us not forget that although catheter procedures are safer then OHS, they still carry a risk of death, as we all know when we had to sign the consent form!
As to Andyrdj question about what to they do if a particle gets in to the bloodstream (every doctors worst dream) – they just wait to see where it end up and how much damage it does. It can do nothing, but it can cause death.
I would caution everybody concerning the next “Greatest discovery” not to bank anything
till it is proven in clinical trials. I, as well as members like Al Lodwick, Marty, Joanne, Nancy and Joe
Geebee and others who have been “around the block”, can’t even begin to count on both
hands the number of PR releases we have read that promised to next great fix and then was never heard from again. PR releases are designed to get people and institutions money, plain and simple. Real scientists get the word out by releasing their data in professional journals, not PR Releases- so be very skeptical of them!
[What ever did happen to COLD FUSION anyway?]
I have been hearing that tissue engineered valves were just ten years away since my 3rd valve surgery in 1982- glad I didn’t hold my breath waiting on that on one!