If you are experiencing manifestations of the aortic valve stenosis for a long time, your physician may recommend surgery. In Germany, the diseased heart valve is replaced during open or minimally invasive intervention, repair of the valve is also possible. After the careful examination, a physician will recommend the most suitable surgical option and perform it with the utmost precision. After the surgery, you will be able to return to an active lifestyle, without any restriction.
Types of aortic valve stenosis surgery in Germany
The surgical treatment is adjusted to the patients’ condition, age and degree of the aortic valve stenosis. In critically ill infants, percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty is the method of choice, as the heart failure develops quickly. In older children, an open valvotomy may be performed.
Aortic valve surgery is obligatory in the presence of concomitant valve pathologies, including progressive degenerative changes and calcification. The need for repeated intervention occurs in approximately 35% of patients 15-20 years after the first surgery.
Replacement surgery is performed using a mechanical or biologic prosthesis. Implantation of a mechanical prosthesis requires lifelong use of anticoagulants. A biological one is not connected with the risk of thrombosis but has a limited service life. The first-line replacement surgery in Germany is minimally invasive TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement).
Repair surgery includes direct separation of the fused valve cusps and balloon valvuloplasty. These are also minimally invasive procedures, the main disadvantage of which is high risk of the stenosis recurrence. Thus, repair surgeries are recommended only to eligible patients.
Patients with severe valve narrowing and combined heart defects may undergo Ross surgery. During the Ross procedure a patient’s pulmonary valve is transplanted into the aortic valve position, while the pulmonary valve is substituted with a donor one.
The effectiveness of surgery depends on the stage of the disease and several other factors, including the presence of heart failure, severe cardiac abnormalities, or other heart conditions.
Should one consider minimally invasive replacement surgery in Germany?
German physicians continue to work on improving minimally invasive techniques. Accumulated experience reduces the time required for cardiac surgery in Germany and improves its effectiveness.
You can always ask your doctor about the results of minimally invasive operations they had and the latest research around it.
Experience of the hospital where you are going to be treated is always important. Your choice of minimally invasive procedures will depend on several factors:
- Results of the preliminary examination
- Physician’s recommendation
- Recommendation of a cardiac surgeon who has experience in performing such surgeries
- Availability of equipment
You can find reliable information on aortic valve stenosis surgery in Germany on the Booking Health website.
Aortic valve stenosis surgery in Germany during the lockdown
Treatment in Germany is the choice of patients who can not receive the necessary medical care in their native country or are initially informed about the benefits of undergoing cardiac surgery in Germany.
The highest qualification of the medical staff, reasonable prices, the most modern equipment, proven innovative methods, and time-tested medicines attract people from all over the world.
The international medical tourism provider Booking Health offers services that will make treatment of aortic stenosis quick and stress-free for you even during the lockdown. For over 12 years Booking Health cooperates with leading German hospitals. Thus, the company has actual information about cost estimates, books urgent outpatient appointments and surgery dates, and provides you with an interpreter and medical coordinator during the treatment period. Besides, Booking Health helps you get a visa and arrange your flight before and after surgery.
Feel free to leave a request on the Booking Health website to start your treatment of aortic valve stenosis.
