EN
1. Surgical robots
|
2. Cardiac implants
|
3. Vascular stenting
|
4. Treatment of heart valves
|
5. Radiofrequency ablation of the heart
|
6. What does the future hold?
|
7. Advanced clinics in cardiac surgery
|
According to the WHO, every 3 out of 10 deaths in the world are related to heart disease. A great deal of research is aimed at solving this problem. In the last 3 years, the medical community has managed to make progress in this direction. In this article, we will share with you the major advances in cardiac surgery over the past 3 years, as well as a prediction of what to expect from medicine in the not-too-distant future.
Surgical robots in cardiac surgery
A surgical robot, or da Vinci robot, is a medical technology that is used to perform precise and minimally invasive surgeries. The robot is fully controlled by a doctor who directs its movements through a special console.
Over the past 5 years, leading clinics have not only started using surgical robots more frequently but have also made significant advances in this technology. This approach has many advantages, especially for elderly patients:
Small incisions;
Precise and reliable movements – the robot “backs up” the doctor, preventing hand tremors or small mistakes;
A more detailed view of the operating area;
The ability to plan the operation, which, combined with advanced diagnostics, significantly increases the reliability of the results.
Easier and faster rehabilitation;
Da Vinci robots are used in the following surgeries: aorto-coronary bypass, valve repair, and pacemaker placement.
Read: In January 2021, Swiss company Distalmotion developed a new robotic surgeon – Dexter. It is more agile and flexible than previous models and allows combining robotic surgery with laparoscopic surgery – a procedure where the doctor inserts instruments inside the organ, thus avoiding large incisions.
The development of robotic mitral valve catheterisation won the prestigious MedTech Innovator award in 2020. This is a complex operation that requires extreme skillfulness and expertise on the part of the surgeon. Thanks to the new development, which includes VR and 3D technology, the doctor can see his/her movements. In the words of the developer, Dr Mark Barrish, “It makes the operation as simple as moving a cursor across a computer screen.”
MediGlobus has partnered with clinics that use robotic surgery for the treatment of heart diseases. We can help you get into one of them. To book your treatment, leave your request by clicking the button below and filling out the form.
Modern heart implants
Heart implants are increasingly being used to diagnose and prevent disease. The most common among them are pacemakers and cardioverter-defibrillators. They are fitted to patients with arrhythmias, heart failure and other conditions.
A pacemaker is a device that corrects an irregular heart rhythm.
A cardioverter-defibrillator is a device that starts the heart during a heart attack.
Compared to the models used 10 years ago, modern devices are smaller, more reliable and effective. Doctors have managed to bypass the inconveniences such as the “clicking” of a working device or the need for frequent recharging. Modern models can be recharged remotely, removing the need to perform another surgery to change the battery.
In addition, surgical techniques have improved. Up to 99,5% of surgeries occur without complications. Implant placement is less invasive, and reoperation rates have decreased. Back in 2018, doctors estimated that ¾ of elderly patients would not need a pacemaker replacement, and with the transition to more modern models, this figure will only increase.
In 2019, a Zurich-based company developed a special capsule for pacemakers. It prevents the formation of fibrosis, which worsens patient health and complicates pacemaker replacement operations.
In 2020, the new Abbott cardioverter defibrillator was introduced. In addition to its compact size and long service life, it can also be connected to a smartphone. Thanks to this, the device can automatically notify the doctor about an abnormal heart rhythm, inform the patient about the status of the implant and remind them about timely check-ups.
It is possible to install a modern model of pacemakers in foreign clinics. Our coordinators will help you to choose a centre and organise your trip. For a free consultation, click on the button below and leave contact details.
Modern vascular stents
Stenting is a surgical procedure that is performed to treat narrowed blood vessels. During the surgery, the doctor inserts a stent through a catheter into the vessel and places it in the affected area.
The surgery is performed for diseases such as acute coronary syndrome, myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, etc.
In foreign clinics, angiography is performed before stenting. It helps to accurately identify which vessels need treatment and increases the reliability of ⅓ of the operation.
Modern stents have become safer and more effective. Among the advances in recent years:
Ultra-thin stents are less than 3.0 mm in diameter, which helps them fuse with surrounding vessel tissue without interfering with blood flow;
Modern materials do not cause inflammation or rejection;
Low risk of thrombosis;
Stents can dissolve on their own after a few months;
Drug-eluting stents reduce the risk of the vessel narrowing again.
In 90% of patients treated with modern stents, there is no recurrence of vessel narrowing – which means no need to repeat treatment. In comparison, with older stents, this rate can range from 77,1% to 65%.
Make an appointment for stenting with doctors with more than 10 years of experience in this field. Our coordinators will advise you on the best cardiac centre to visit and help you choose a treatment programme to suit your budget. Click on the “Book a treatment” button and fill out the form and we will contact you shortly.
New approaches to heart valve surgery
Modern approaches to treating heart valve defects make surgery safer and more effective. About 90% of patients do not need a second operation for the next 20 years.
Doctors in overseas clinics prefer to perform heart surgery in a minimally invasive way. Instead of making an incision in the centre of the chest, they insert surgical instruments into the vessels and access the organs through them. The most well-known version of this surgery is TAVI/TAVR mitral valve replacement.
Because cardiac surgeons manage to avoid large incisions, the rehabilitation period is much shorter and easier, which is especially important for elderly patients. The life expectancy and quality of life of patients over the age of 80 who have undergone TAVI does not differ from the normal population.
Cardiovalve received FDA approval in March 2020. It is a system designed for minimally invasive mitral and tricuspid valve replacement. The longest studies show that the new valve works well for more than 2 years.
HARPOON is a system that plans to receive FDA approval soon. Its unique feature is that it allows mitral valve replacement to be performed minimally invasively and without stopping the heart.
Foreign clinics perform surgeries that are not available in developing countries. You can get treatment in one of them with MediGlobus. Request a free call from our coordinator and we will help you with clinic selection and treatment organisation.
New methods of catheter ablation of the heart
Catheter ablation is the leading method of atrial fibrillation treatment in cases when medication fails. While some hospitals often use cryoablation (extremely low temperatures), in the most innovative heart cancers, radiofrequency ablation is preferred. This approach allows the doctor to better control the treatment, which causes fewer side effects.
In 2021, the FDA approved a new method of performing catheter ablation of the heart – DiamondTemp.
The ablation delivery catheter of this device has three diamonds near the tip. This helps the in-built temperature sensor get more accurate readings while reducing the amount of coolant, resulting in faster procedures. This device allows RFA to be performed in a more gentle method.
The success rate of cardiac catheter ablation in foreign clinics exceeds 90%.
RFA is a safe and reliable way to treat atrial fibrillation. Our coordinators will advise you on which clinics to visit and how much it will cost. Book a free consultation by clicking the button below and leaving your contact details
What does the future hold for cardiac surgery?
3D printing
3D printing is already being used in preparation for surgeries. Doctors are creating models of patients’ hearts to allow them to plan the procedure more accurately. Among the cutting-edge advances for 2021 is a heart valve that is implanted in children with congenital heart defects and grows with them. This will avoid the need for repeated surgery. This procedure is still in the research phase.
Cell therapy
US company Cellvie is developing cell therapy for the rehabilitation of patients with ischaemia. The treatment consists of point transplantation of mitochondria – microscopic elements of cells – into tissues affected by the disease. The method can also be used in heart or kidney transplants. The company recently received the MedTech Innovator Value Award.
Which clinics offer advanced cardiac surgical treatment?
Summary
Da Vinci robots are used in aorto-coronary bypass surgery, valve repair, and pacemaker placement. They allow the operation to be more reliable and reduce the duration of rehabilitation. In 2020-2021, new Dexter and TEER technologies have been developed..
Modern cardiac implants, such as Abbott, have a long lifespan and a low rate of postoperative complications. Up to 99% of surgeries are successful.
During vessel stenting in foreign clinics, it is now possible to use ultra-thin stents that release drugs into the bloodstream. This avoids recurrent vasoconstriction, the most common postoperative complication. In addition, doctors are working on developing self-dissolving stents.
Modern surgeries for plastic surgery and heart valve replacement are performed in a minimally invasive way. Recent discoveries in this area include the Cardiovalve and HARPOON systems.
In 2021, the FDA approved a new method of performing cardiac catheter ablation using a diamond tip – the DiamondTemp. It is more accurate than previous models, reducing the risk of complications.
Among the technologies that are in active development in the field of cardiac surgery are 3D printing and cell therapy.
Foreign patients can apply for advanced treatment of heart and vascular diseases at clinics in Turkey, Germany, Austria, Lithuania and Spain.
Treatment of heart disease with 21st-century technology is an affordable option with MediGlobus. We will help you easily get to a foreign clinic for treatment. To book an appointment for surgery, leave your application on our website by clicking on the “Book a treatment” button. Our coordinators will contact you as soon as possible.
Sources:
- 1. Lab-Generated Heart Valves Grow Inside Body
- 2. Highly Realistic 3D Printed Human Hearts
- 3. Journal of Thoracic Disease
- 4. Dexter Surgical Robot Works with All Laparoscopy Tools
- 5. Robotic Catheterization for Mitral Valve Repair: Interview with Mark Barrish, CEO of Moray Medical
- 6. Protective Membrane for Pacemakers to Make Replacement Surgeries Easier
- 7. Abbott’s Gallant Cardiac Implants Cleared in Europe
- 8. Abbott’s Gallant Heart Rhythm Implants FDA Approved
- 9. Clinical Cardiology
- 10. BIOTRONIK’s Orsiro Mission Drug-Eluting Stent
- 11. Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal
- 12. JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions
- 13. Cardiovalve Wins FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement System
- 14. HARPOON System for Mitral Valve Repair: Interview with Daveen Chopra, Edwards Lifesciences
- 15. Newer Heart Valve Surgery Options
- 16. IJC Heart & Vasculature
- 17. DiamondTemp Ablation System FDA Approved for AFib
- 18. Mitochondrial Transplantation to Treat Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Interview with Dr. Alexander Schueller, CEO of cellvie
- 19. AHA names top heart disease and stroke research advances of 2020
