London, Ont. led research could have major impact around the world
CTV
Research being done in London, Ont. could very well change the way surgeons approach one of the most common heart valve conditions, which would have global implications.
Research being done in London, Ont. could very well change the way surgeons approach one of the most common heart valve conditions, which would have global implications.
Researchers at Lawson Health Research Institute (Lawson) and Western University lead the way in a new global study that can change how surgeons repair leaky valves in the heart.
Many patients may not even realize they have a leaky valve which presents doctors and surgeons with a unique challenge once the patient is in the later stages.
“If the leak in the mitral valve is not repaired, a patient will have problems with fluid retention, shortness of breath and heart failure,” Says Dr. Michael Chu, with Lawson and Western.
“That will then lead to complications requiring hospitalization and eventually an increased risk of death.”
Dr. Chu is the Chief of the Division of Cardiac Surgery at Western’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and his team took the lead on the global study that took place in 39 hospitals including London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) in London, Ont.
The team studied two related valves in the heart (mitral and tricuspid valves) that can potentially leak, leading to further complications.
