Early experience with mitral valve reconstruction for mitral insufficiency
Article Abstract:
Mitral valve regurgitation (backflow of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium due to failure of the mitral valve to close completely) may eventually result in congestive heart failure (in which the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently), requiring surgery. Repair of the mitral valve is reported to have a better outcome than replacement of the valve. A report is presented of the outcome of mitral valve repair surgery performed on 63 patients who underwent the surgery at one hospital over a five-year period. The average patient age was 67.9 years. Twelve patients (19 percent) had undergone earlier heart surgery. At the time of this admission, 18 patients had only valve repair performed, whereas the remaining patients (71 percent) underwent valve repair as well as other types of surgery to the heart and related vessels. Two patients died during hospitalization (a 3 percent mortality); four patients died after discharge, and one death was valve-related. Echocardiograms (which show the flow of blood through the heart) performed at discharge showed that 48 patients (88 percent) were free of significant regurgitation. Follow-up showed that all valve repair patients remained clinically improved and stable. Of the five patients who continued to have moderate regurgitation at the time of hospital discharge, four are now without symptoms. Reoperation was necessary in two valve-related failures. These findings demonstrate that compared with mitral valve replacement, valve repair has a low mortality and a good early outcome. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Surgery
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9610
Year: 1991
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Living with a cardioverter defibrillator in the community
Article Abstract:
Patients who have had an internal cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) fitted may experience a range of emotional responses. Nurses must be prepared to address the holistic consequences of the technology. ICDs respond to heartbeat irregularities by giving a defibrillator shock. Patients may be frightened by the severity of the shock administered, they may feel overwhelmed by the thought that the device is repeatedly saving their lives, or they may try to control the shocks by giving up certain activities. The fitting of an ICD may also create tensions in the patient's family.
Publication Name: Nursing Times
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0954-7762
Year: 1999
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