Adults with congenital heart defects

Currently, 25 per cent of the patients operated on at the German Heart Centre Munich for a congenitalCongenital. heart defect are older than 18. The most frequently performed operations in these patients are the replacement of the pulmonary valveConsists of three pocket valves in the shape of a half moon. Represents the transition of the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery and acts as a check valve to prevent blood from flowing from the pulmonary circulation into the right side of the heart. after previous surgery for pulmonaryBelonging to the lungs. stenosisNarrowing of vessels or valves., tetralogy of Fallot(TOF) Congenital complex heart defect, named after the French physician Etienne Fallot and consisting of a large, short-circuit connection between the ventricles of the heart (VSD), a malposition of the body’s aorta and a narrowing in the area of the outflow tract of the right ventricle (RVOTO). This can lead to reduced blood flow in the lungs. Sufferers of this condition have a blue-red colour of the face (cyanosis)., or a truncus arteriosus communis (about 50 per cent). To ensure multidisciplinary care, we work closely with the outpatient clinic for adults with congenital heart defects.

The group of adult patients with congenital heart defects also includes adults with unicuspid (one pocket) or bicuspid (two pockets) aortic valves. Normally, the aortic valveHeart valve between the left ventricle and the aorta. It prevents the blood from flowing back into the left ventricle during the relaxation phase. is tricuspid, i.e. it has three pockets. If there are fewer pockets, calcification and leaks often occur in the aortic valveValve.. If this has to be replaced, we discuss the possible therapy options and their advantages and disadvantages in detail with our patients. Biological valve prostheses or mechanical valve prostheses can be used as valve replacements. Alternatively, a Ross operation can be performed. In this procedure, the patient’s own pulmonary valve is substituted for the dysfunctional aortic valve. Especially for female patients who wish to have children, the Ross operation is a good alternative to the mechanical valve, as no oral anticoagulationInhibition of blood clotting by means of medication (e.g. Marcumar, Heparin). Colloquially also incorrectly referred to as “blood thinning”. is necessary after a Ross operation and therefore nothing stands in the way of pregnancy. Athletes or professional athletes also benefit from the Ross operation due to the good haemodynamics and by not having to take oral anticoagulation. Our clinic is one of the few centres in Germany that frequently performs Ross operations and has a wealth of experience in this field.