Rare surgery unblocks heart valve

DUBAI — A 42-year-old man, Sonny Anchesta, was recently admitted to Belhoul Speciality Hospital complaining of a hacking cough and breathing difficulty.

By A Staff Reporter

Published: Wed 17 May 2006, 10:54 AM

Last updated: Sat 4 Apr 2015, 7:41 PM

Initial diagnosis indicated severe pneumonia, but on the intuition of Dr Sunil Roy, Specialist Cardiologist at the hospital, a heart scan was performed, revealing a major block in one of the main valves in Anchesta’s heart. Anchesta, who was believed to have suffered from chronic bronchial asthma for many years, was alarmed to learn of his condition as he presumed he was merely experiencing a severe asthma attack.

Dr Roy discovered that the blocked valve was the underlying cause of this patient’s pneumonia and breathlessness and that his asthmatic condition had never existed. “Cases such as these are rare, and at first glance can be difficult to diagnose as symptoms can point to less serious conditions. It is essential to look beyond the obvious and evaluate all possible causes by carrying out comprehensive tests and react accordingly,” says Dr Roy. He also pointed out that such blocks can cause severe heart failure and death, if not treated at the right time.

Luckily for Anchesta, the interventional cardiology team headed by Dr R. Anil Kumar swung into action. A special Inoue balloon was imported from abroad specifically for this rare procedure, as the condition is not particularly common in the UAE, with only two such operations being performed at the hospital in the last year.

The technique involved inserting the balloon, which was chosen based on the patients height, through a vein in the leg to dilate the closed valve and allow normal function of the heart to resume. Formerly, such patients would have to undergo open heart surgery, which carries significantly more risk.

According to Dr Kumar, the disease, known as Mitral Stenosis, is very common in developing countries and can be attributed to streptococcal throat infections in childhood which can lead to bacterial attacks on the heart valve in later life. Over 50 per cent of patients do not know they have this condition as the symptoms are very similar to asthma and other respiratory disorders.

After the procedure a scan was performed, which showed that the valve is now fully open. Upon review of his condition it was discovered that his breathlessness has completely disappeared. “It has made such a big difference in my life to be able do so many more things without constantly having to catch my breath. I am very grateful to the doctors for curing me,” said Anchesta.