Blog

Heart valve diseases are one of the most common causes of heart failure, especially in older people. Until a few years ago, their treatment was almost exclusively surgical, requiring open surgery and a long recovery period. Today, thanks to advances in interventional cardiology, an increasing number of patients can be treated with minimally invasive techniques, without large incisions and with a significantly faster return to daily life.

When a heart valve does not function properly

The heart has four valves, which act as “gates” that ensure the correct direction of blood flow. When one of them narrows or does not close properly, the heart is forced to work harder, resulting in symptoms such as shortness of breath, easy fatigue, reduced endurance and, in more advanced cases, heart failure or serious arrhythmias.

Many patients attribute these symptoms to age, delaying diagnosis. However, an ultrasound scan can reveal the problem early and lead to appropriate treatment.

The TAVI revolution in the aortic valve

The greatest progress in recent years concerns aortic valve stenosis, a condition that can develop into a life-threatening condition.

Percutaneous aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has radically changed the data. Through a small puncture in the leg, Interventional Cardiologists can guide a new valve to the heart and place it inside the old one, without the need for open surgery. The new valve is placed in place of the old one and immediately takes over its function.

The method was initially applied to patients of very advanced age or high surgical risk. However, the excellent results led to the gradual expansion of the indications and today it is the preferred therapeutic option for a large number of patients over 70 years of age, according to international guidelines.

New solutions for the mitral and tricuspid valve

Technological progress has not been limited to the aortic valve. Significant developments have also been made in the treatment of mitral and tricuspid valve insufficiency.

In many cases, these valves do not close completely, allowing blood to flow backward. The result is the appearance of shortness of breath, fluid retention and a gradual burden on cardiac function.

For patients who cannot undergo surgery, there are special percutaneous techniques, such as MitraClip, which allow the valve to function better through catheters, without open surgery. In this way, symptoms are reduced and the quality of life of patients is significantly improved.

Valve replacement without reoperation

Another important development concerns patients who have already undergone surgical valve replacement in the past and after years experience degeneration of the prosthetic valve.

Today, in selected cases, a new valve can be implanted inside the old one (“Valve-in-Valve” technique), avoiding a second major surgery and the risks that this entails.

Individualized treatment for each patient

Despite the spectacular progress of technology, there is no one solution that suits everyone. Every valve, every anatomy and every patient is different.

The choice of the appropriate treatment is based on specialized imaging tests, such as ultrasounds and CT scans, as well as the collaboration of Interventional Cardiologists and Cardiac Surgeons. The decision is made individually, aiming for maximum safety and the best possible outcome for each patient individually.

The future is already here

Interventional cardiology is evolving at an impressive pace. Technologies that were considered impossible a few years ago are now part of everyday clinical practice, offering solutions to patients who previously had no treatment options.

The result is less strain on the body, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and, most importantly, a better quality of life. For thousands of patients with valvular heart disease, the new era of cardiology is no longer the future. It is the present.