How dangerous is percutaneous heart valve replacement surgery? Pictured is an artificial heart valve. Percutaneous (less-invasive) heart valve repair is widely performed and carries the typical surgical risks of a cardiac procedure. Percutaneous heart valve replacement techniques are still evolving. The associated risks are expected to decline with advancements in this field. A percutaneous valve …
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How long does PDA surgery take? The PDA closure procedure may take up to three hours, depending on the type of procedure. It may take longer if the PDA closure is accompanied by other procedures to correct any additional heart defects. PDA stands for “patent ductus arteriosis,” which is a congenital failure of the heart to develop properly, leaving an …
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What is a transradial heart catheterization procedure? Transradial cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat certain cardiovascular diseases. Transradial cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat certain cardiovascular diseases. A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted through the radial artery in the hand and into the heart and its blood vessels. Ultrasound …
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What is PDA heart surgery? Ductus arteriosus is a normal connection or opening in a fetus between the descending thoracic aorta and the pulmonary artery. In normal development, the ductus arteriosus closes after birth. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure surgery is a procedure to close this connection if it persists (remains patent) after birth. The procedure may be performed as …
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How long does a mitral valvuloplasty take to perform? A mitral valuloplasty is a procedure to improve function of the heart's mitral valve. A mitral balloon valvuloplasty — a procedure to improve the function of the heart's mitral valve — takes about an hour. The procedure requires a few hours for preparation before, and recovery after the procedure. The patient will undergo …
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What is cardiac resynchronization therapy? Cardiac resynchronization therapy involves inserting electrodes into the heart attached to an electrical pacemaker device, which will administer electrical current when the heartbeat falls out of rhythm. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a treatment to help the heart beat with healthy rhythm. CRT is a minor surgical procedure to implant an electronic device under the …
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What does the heart look like and how does it work? Illustrations of Blood Flow to the Heart The heart is an amazing organ. It starts beating about 22 days after conception and continuously pumps oxygenated red blood cells and nutrient-rich blood and other compounds like platelets throughout your body to sustain the life of your organs. Its pumping power …
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Marfan syndrome definition and facts* Syringomas on the Eyelids of a Marfan Syndrome Patient. Marfan syndrome affects different people in different ways. The body systems most often affected by the syndrome are the skeleton, eyes, heart and blood vessels, nervous system, skin, and lungs. Image Source: Color Atlas of Pediatric Dermatology Samuel Weinberg, Neil S. Prose, Leonard Kristal Copyright 2008, 1998, …
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What is a sternotomy? A sternotomy is a surgical opening in the middle of the chest at the breastbone (sternum) to provide access to the chest cavity for heart procedures or other thoracic surgeries. A sternotomy is a surgical incision made through the breastbone (sternum) to access the thoracic cavity. A median sternotomy is the primary approach used for major …
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What are heart sounds? Using a stethoscope to assess different sounds the heart makes is an important diagnostic tool. Heart sounds are generated by blood flowing in and out of the heart’s chambers through the valves as they open and close. Listening to the heart sounds through a stethoscope (auscultation) is one of the first steps a physician takes in …
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