Progress in cardiac medicine: heart valve replacement and smart ECG follow-up care

Just four weeks ago, Heinz Kohler had to pause several times on the short walk to the bus to catch his breath. Today, he runs without any problems. "Even on the 60 meters from home to the bus, I always had to stop two or three times to catch my breath. This morning I just walked through and got to the station early," he says with relief. The reason: a newly inserted artificial aortic valve.

The aortic valve regulates the flow of blood from the heart into the aorta. If it is calcified, this can lead to chest pain, dizziness and shortness of breath. The minimally invasive procedure, performed by PD Dr. Thomas Nestelberger at the University Hospital Basel, replaced the narrowed valve with a biological prosthesis. "The new valve has a metal frame and movable pockets that open and close with every heartbeat," explains PD Dr. Nestelberger. A major advantage of the method: "You don't need a general anesthetic, a heart-lung machine or an open chest," says the expert. In 95% of patients, access can be made via the groin.
The operation enables a rapid recovery: "I was back home after three and a half days - I didn't expect that," reports Heinz Kohler with surprise.

The aftercare is also innovative. An ECG patch on the chest monitors the heart rhythm for 14 days and sends data to the cardiology team. "This system allows a more precise diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmias and could help to avoid unnecessary pacemaker implants," explains Prof. Felix Mahfoud. PD Dr. Patrick Badertscher adds: "The device automatically detects nine different cardiac arrhythmias. The AI-supported evaluation saves time and enables more targeted treatment." Kohler confirms that the handling is very simple: "After two weeks, simply place the ECG patch in a stamped packet - done."

If left untreated, aortic valve stenosis can have serious consequences. "Without intervention, the patient's condition deteriorates rapidly - many die within two to three years," warns Dr. Nestelberger. Thanks to advances in cardiac medicine, Heinz Kohler can now live a carefree life with his family again.

Find out more in the TV report on "gesundheit heute".