Medical researchers are testing a new synthetic heart valve that could be a breakthrough for those who may be too frail for surgery.
This new treatment helped 91-year-old Sol Shack get back on his feet. A few months ago, Shack's heart was getting weaker and his aortic valve started failing. He could barely walk down the hall without having to stop to rest.
His symptoms included shortness of breath, fatigue and fainting, which are common with age.
Treatment typically requires a valve replacement, but for those who are too frail, there were no other options until now.
University Hospitals in Ohio is testing a new synthetic heart valve that's implanted over the old one using a catheter instead of open heart surgery. It's called TAVI for transcatheter aortic valve implantation.
Once Sol's aortic valve was replaced with the synthetic one, his blood started flowing freely again and gave him the energy to get back on his feet.
There are risks associated with it, including stroke and the potential for open heart surgery if necessary. The procedure is performed in a hybrid operating room that has both a catheter lab and surgery capability.
Information courtesy of NBC News.
Have you been impacted by heart problems? Is this a treatment you would try? Leave your thoughts below.
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