New Therapy for Heart Valve Leaks

A study has shown that a new patch device may help treat heart valve leaks, a common complication of heart attacks. The results of the research were released at the Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Society of Echocardiography in Seattle (WA, USA).

Guided by echocardiography, surgeons attach a papillary muscle repositioning device to external areas of the heart that have been damaged, weakened, or enlarged as a result of a heart attack. The device can be inflated to reshape or support the damaged areas, improving heart valve performance. Echocardiography also measures how well the patch is working and whether the positioning is correct. The researchers, from Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston, MA, USA), tested the procedure on seven sheep with ischemic mitral regurgitation. The device reduced ischemic mitral valve regurgitation without seriously compromising left ventricle function.

"This study is a very exciting step for cardiac care,” said Judy Hung, M.D., principal investigator of the study. "Our hope is that this procedure will one day improve the level of care we're able to provide for people who have suffered heart attacks.”




Related Links:
American Society of Echocardiography