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)
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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?
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:
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.
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.
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...
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