Heart Valves for Achalasia? : Hi all, I... - Achalasia Action

Achalasia Action

Heart Valves for Achalasia?

neil-acac profile image
neil-acacAdministrator
7 Replies

Hi all, I have started this thread with the hope that it may grow interest over time. So please do add your thoughts when the time strikes, even if months or years from now :) ...

...Since my colleague had a heart valve replaced last year I have often pondered as to if this kind of well proven (since the 70s) valve technology / practice could work with Achalasia if placed around the LES. I came across an interesting video: youtu.be/z5yRcRHuow8

There is a new technique where a tube and camera can carry a valve with an inflatable ring around it. Once in place (within a channel orifice) the ring is inflated to hold it there indefinitely, and the tube is released and removed.

For achalasia it might need to be an extended (cylindrically) ring with a single flap (as opposed to the twin type used in hearts), but it does appear interesting! Maybe we can insight some medical input going forward....

Thoughts?

Neil (ACAC)

Written by
neil-acac profile image
neil-acac
Administrator
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
7 Replies
Alan_M profile image
Alan_MPartner

I think there is always wariness about the effects of placing a non-natural object into the human body, but this has been changing with, say, cataract surgery for the eyes, heart valves and the Linx magnetic bracelet that creates some tension in keeping the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) gently closed and re-creating the valve effect that lets food go down, but stops reflux going upwards.

It would not necessarily resolve problems higher up the oesophagus, but presumably some form of artificial sphincter valve would hold the oesophagus open and then let its valve mechanism let food down but stop reflux coming up somehow. It is a lot different from dealing with blood which would presumably be of the same liquid consistency because food changes in texture according to what we eat. Presumably a heart valve is controlling the flow of blood that normally goes in one direction only. So it would have to be geared towards allowing food to go down, but with some form of pressure release that would allow a patient to vomit?

It is an interesting medical engineering problem!

neil-acac profile image
neil-acacAdministrator

Interesting, but I had a brief discussion with a qualified medical person (Surgeon) last night, and they informed me that this kind of thing has been tried before - 20 years or so ago. Various valve type 'Stents' were tried for a few years in patients requiring loosening of the LES, but faded out due to limited success - mainly not holding place/shape etc. I took an interest to look further into this and found the following Report:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

The Report concludes that although there may be isolated cases where these techniques might still be applied (such as where surgery is not an option), these are rare. So it would appear that if there is to be a comeback for this kind of approach, new and innovative concepts would be required. Hence it probably makes sense to at least keep track of related possibilities.

Neil

redcoat1 profile image
redcoat1 in reply to neil-acac

Hi I saw a Cardiologist last year in Bournemouth I can email him and ask ??? He is good at new Research and knows The GI surgeons here!!!

MusicMan67 profile image
MusicMan67

Hello Neil. I've had Achalashia type 3 since 2010. First I had a POEM . Afterwards I had terrible acid every morning at times so bad I couldn't talk. After another procedure didn't work I eventually had a toupee fundoplication. This worked pretty well except now I'm told my esophagus is stretching , kind of like making a 2nd stomach.

I think an idea of a replacement valve would allow people from having to do these other procedures would be a huge improvement.

052517 profile image
052517 in reply to MusicMan67

Hi Music man

My oesophagus stretched creating "chipmunk" like pockets. The disease progressed rapidly from having myotomy to complete removal of the oesophagus.

I am doubtful that the valve idea would work because of the nerves are dying from the bottom to the top of the oesophagus.

neil-acac profile image
neil-acacAdministrator

Hi MM67. I think there will be a place for this someday. I will watch with interest.

BTW. Your story sounds very interesting. Would you consider producing a Profile like the ones here: achalasia-action.org/suppor... . If so, you can email me from this page too, web@ is me. I think these are of great benefit to people around the country...

Be well! :)

Neil

Daybydayinfl profile image
Daybydayinfl

Makes alot of sense

You may also like...

(Relatively) New achalasia diagnosis

I was diagnosed with achalasia just before the lockdown-I have Type 2 achalasia. My symptoms seemed...

Recommended Achalasia surgeons for myotomy, urgent as deteriorating condition

To cut a long story short, I have Achalasia which is now rapidly getting worse, difficulty getting...