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.
Medical background: The evolution of heart valve surgery
Historically, replacing damaged heart valves required open-heart surgery, a major procedure involving opening the chest, stopping the heart, and using a heart-lung machine. While effective, it carried significant risks, especially for elderly patients, those with chronic conditions, or those who had undergone previous surgeries. With technological advancements, minimally invasive alternatives such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have emerged, revolutionizing cardiology. The "valve-in-valve" technique is an extension of this revolution, allowing a new valve to be implanted inside an existing surgical valve that has begun to fail, without the need to remove the previous valve. This significantly reduces the procedure's duration, risks, and recovery time.
Case details and innovative treatment plan
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 conducting the necessary examinations, the integrated "Heart Team," comprised of interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and anesthesiologists, determined that a second open surgery carried a very high risk due to the patient's advanced age and health condition. Therefore, the "valve-in-valve" technique was adopted as a strategic and safe treatment option. The plan involved inserting the new valve via a catheter through the femoral vein, accessing the left side of the heart by creating a small incision in the atrial septum, and then precisely implanting the new bioprosthetic valve within the framework of the damaged old valve.
The importance of achievement and its future impact
The procedure was a complete success, taking record time compared to traditional surgeries. The patient left the catheterization lab in stable condition, showing immediate and significant improvement in breathing and all vital signs. This success reflects not only the competence of the medical team but also the advanced level of infrastructure and medical equipment at King Abdullah Medical City. Locally, this achievement offers new hope to patients with complex and critical conditions and reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leading center for advanced cardiac care. Regionally and internationally, this development aligns with the goals of Vision 2030 and the Health Transformation Program, which aims to utilize the latest global technologies to serve patients and improve their quality of life, thus solidifying the reputation of the Saudi healthcare sector on the world stage.
