ES 2024 Statement from Asia expert operators on transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement
Executive Summary
Ming C. Leong
Wenzhi Pan, Daxin Zhou, Ziyad M. Hijazi, Shakeel A. Qureshi, Worakan Promphan, Yuan Feng, Gejun Zhang, Xianbao Liu, Xin Pan, Lianglong Chen, Qilin Cao, Koh G. Tiong, Ming C. Leong, Supaporn Roymanee, Pimpak Prachasilchai, Jae Y. Choi, Hideshi Tomita, Ju Le Tan, Khurram Akhtar, Simon Lam, Kent So, Do N. Tin, Lan Hieu Nguyen, Yong Huo, Jian’an Wang, Junbo Ge.
Published: Catheter Cardiovasc Interv. 28 Feb 2024 epub
Background
This article is a collective expert statement from top heart doctors across Asia about a medical procedure called Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement (TPVR). This is a minimally invasive technique used to fix a leaky or blocked pulmonary valve in people, often those born with heart defects and who have had previous surgeries.
Instead of doing open-heart surgery, doctors can now insert a new valve using a thin tube (catheter) through a blood vessel, guiding it to the heart. This newer method helps patients recover faster, with less pain, fewer risks, and shorter hospital stays.
Key Findings:
Who Needs TPVR?
Patients with damaged pulmonary valves causing symptoms like fatigue, irregular heartbeat, or heart enlargement.
When is it best?
If their heart structure allows it, TPVR is preferred over open surgery.
What type of valves are used?
There are different types of replacement valves — some expand like a balloon, others open by themselves.
What tests are needed?
Doctors use ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI to check if TPVR is safe and to plan the procedure.
What are the risks?
Like any heart procedure, complications can happen, such as valve slipping, infections, or injury to heart vessels — but these are relatively rare with proper preparation.
Aftercare is important
Including antibiotics, follow-up scans, and monitoring for signs of infection or valve failure.
Conclusion
TPVR is a safer, less invasive alternative to open-heart surgery for fixing pulmonary valves, especially in people with previous heart defects. When done correctly and on the right patients, it improves symptoms, protects heart function, and leads to better long-term outcomes.