A woman in her seventies was saved using valve-in-valve technology in Mecca | Saudi Arabia News
A remarkable medical achievement at King Abdullah Medical City
In a move reflecting the significant advancements in the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia, a specialized medical team at the Heart Center in King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah, a member of the Makkah Health Cluster, successfully ended the suffering of a 70-year-old patient who had been experiencing severe mitral valve failure after a surgically implanted valve 13 years prior. This achievement was accomplished through a delicate and complex medical procedure known as "valve-in-valve" surgery, which spared the patient the risks of undergoing open-heart surgery again.
Background of the case and treatment challenges
The patient arrived at the medical center suffering from advanced symptoms of heart failure, including severe shortness of breath and an inability to perform even the simplest daily activities. After undergoing the necessary examinations, it was discovered that her previously implanted artificial mitral valve had significantly deteriorated in function, necessitating urgent intervention. Given her advanced age and the high risks associated with open-heart surgery, the integrated "Heart Team," comprised of consultants from various cardiology subspecialties, determined that traditional surgery was not the optimal choice. Therefore, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) was selected as a strategic and safer treatment option for the patient.
“Valve-in-valve” technology: A revolution in the treatment of heart disease
The “valve-in-valve” technique is one of the most significant advancements in interventional cardiology over the past decade. Historically, replacing damaged valves required open-heart surgery, a major procedure involving incisions in the chest, stopping the heart, and using a heart-lung machine. As technology advanced, minimally invasive alternatives emerged, such as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), which paved the way for applying similar principles to other valves, such as the mitral valve. The “valve-in-valve” concept relies on using the existing surgical valve frame as a support to implant a new, biocompatible valve inserted via a catheter through the groin veins and into the heart. This procedure significantly reduces the duration of the operation, recovery time, and potential risks compared to open surgery, particularly for elderly patients or those with other chronic conditions.
The importance of achievement and its impact on healthcare
The local impact of this success lies in reinforcing King Abdullah Medical City’s position as a leading referral center for complex cardiac care, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the Health Transformation Program. Regionally and internationally, the successful performance of such delicate procedures places the Kingdom among the leading nations in employing cutting-edge global technologies to serve patients. It also contributes to building national expertise capable of handling the most complex cases and opens new horizons for treating thousands of patients who previously lacked safe treatment options.
Promising results and rapid recovery
The procedure was a complete success, with the medical team precisely implanting the new valve inside the old one, ensuring its functional efficiency without affecting other chambers of the heart. The patient left the catheterization lab in stable condition, experiencing an immediate and significant improvement in her breathing and all vital signs, which accelerated her recovery. This achievement exemplifies the unique level of integration between different medical specialties at the medical city and its ability to provide innovative solutions to the most complex health problems.
