In Which Diseases Is Ozaki Procedure Performed?
The Ozaki procedure is a modern and innovative surgical method that has been used in the treatment of aortic valve diseases. This method is especially preferred in cases such as aortic valve insufficiency and aortic valve stenosis.
Aortic valve insufficiency occurs when the aorta, the main artery leading to the heart, leaks blood backwards. This condition causes the heart to be unable to provide normal blood flow and may cause serious effects such as heart failure over time.
Aortic valve stenosis , on the other hand, occurs when the aortic valve narrows, limiting blood flow to the body and vital organs, which causes the heart to work harder and increases the risk of heart failure.
The Ozaki procedure is not used to treat heart failure. This procedure is a prominent method of surgical intervention for aortic valve disease. Heart failure is a condition that usually occurs as a result of weakening of the heart muscle and can develop as a result of valve disease. It has an impact on the rhythm and functionality of the heart and is usually treated with medication, lifestyle changes and sometimes surgery. While the Ozaki procedure is used when heart valves need to be repaired or reconstructed, the treatment of heart failure requires a more comprehensive approach.
Unlike traditional and conventional methods of treating cardiovascular diseases, the Ozaki procedure aims to produce a new aortic valve structure from the patient’s own tissue (pericardium). Unlike the use of artificial valves, the valve created using the patient’s own tissue has advantages such as better adaptation of the body to this new structure, no need for blood thinners, better hemodynamic performance compared to artificial valves, no need for a pacemaker because it does not cause rhythm problems and heart blockage, and lower infection rates. Despite these many advantages, it has only been in use in the world for 15 years and long-term studies are not available, so it is not yet the first recommendation in young patients with long life expectancy. However, as long-term studies become available and new technological advances are made, it will become the first choice in the young patient population in the future. Because the only valve that hemodynamically approaches the native aortic valve is the Ozaki valve, which is derived from the patient’s own tissue.
The Ozaki procedure can also be preferred as a treatment method in case of recurrence of aortic valve diseases or deterioration of the previously implanted valve . In this case, if the patient’s own heart membrane is not available, Ozaki valves are obtained using bovine heart membrane. In short, the Ozaki technique is also used in re-do operations.
However, it may not be suitable for every patient and treatment options should be evaluated depending on the patient’s condition, age, general health and surgical risk. The Ozaki procedure is a complex procedure that should be performed by experienced Cardiovascular Surgeons and it is important that patients discuss their treatment options in detail with their doctor. In this way, the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient can be determined and the patient can be treated in the best possible way.
