RSOV
RSOV
RSOV, or the ruptured sinus of Valsalva, is a rare life-threatening abnormality of the aortic pouch. It commonly occurs in young to middle-aged people.
Aorta is the body’s largest artery that carries blood from the heart and supplies it to the rest of the body. The Sinus of Valsalva is one of the small pouches of the aortic root, a part of the aorta that connects to the heart.
The Sinus of Valsalva allows smooth opening and closure of the aortic valve and facilitates blood flow from the aorta to the coronary artery.
RSOV or the rupture or tear of the Sinus of Valsalva, is a lethal disease that can lead to heart failure if left untreated.
What Is Ruptured Sinus Of Valsalva (RSOV)?
An RSOV is when the small pouch in the aortic root, the sinus of Valsalva, ruptures.
The rupture results in a hole that causes blood to leak from the aorta into the heart chambers or the surrounding tissues.
RSOV is also known as an aortic aneurysm. An aneurysm causes ballooning, swelling, or abnormal dilation of the walls of the RSOV pouch
Symptoms of RSOV
RSOV is commonly asymptomatic, but causes continuous heart murmurs. If symptoms occur, they may include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
- Fatigue
- Loss of consciousness
What Causes The Sinus Of Valsalva Rupture?
Sinus Valsalva rupture may be either caused by birth defects (congenital diseases or abnormalities) or may be acquired after birth.
The primary causes of RSOV are congenital (present by birth) and the secondary causes are acquired, disorders that arise after birth.
The common congenital diseases that may cause sinus Valsalva rupture include:
Collagen vascular disease
Marfan's syndrome
Vasculitis
- Infections, like infective endocarditis, tuberculosis, or syphilis.
- Trauma or injury
- Atherosclerosis
RSOV Diagnosis
- Cardiac MRI or CT-scan
- Echocardiogram (ECG)
- Cardiac catheterization
How Is Valsalva Treated?
The treatment of the ruptured sinus of Valsalva (RSOV) commonly involves surgery or a transcatheter repair procedure to close the ruptured Valsalva site or replace the damaged aortic valve.
The choice of treatment depends on many factors, including:
- The size of the rupture
- Whether the aortic valve is involved or not,
- The presence of other cardiac diseases or factors responsible for causing Valsalva rupture,
- The overall health of the patient
- Surgical risk
- Patient's weight, age, and medical history
Some common treatment options for rupture sinus Valsalva include:
01
Transaortic Patch Technique
The transaortic patch technique is a surgical procedure that repairs a ruptured sinus Valsalva by sewing a patch into the rupture site and then securing it with stitches.
Studies reveal that the transaortic patch technique has shown effective long-term results with less incidence of recurrent disease or progression of aortic valve regurgitation.
02
Transcatheter Repair
This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a catheter (flexible tube) with a clip device attached to it.
The catheter having the attached clip device is inserted in the patient’s blood vessels and guided to the heart at the rupture point with the help of live X-rays. The clip is used to close the rupture.
03
Aortic Valve Replacement
If the rupture affects the aortic valve or if the aortic valve is damaged, it may be necessary to replace the diseased aortic valve by implanting a healthy valve. This process is known as aortic valve implantation or aortic valve replacement.
04
Coronary Artery Bypass
The Heart Valve Experts
At the Heart Valve Experts, we are a team of healthcare providers including (but not limited to) cardio specialists, surgeons, radiologists, pharmacists, and nurses.
Our team is skilled in handling all types of heart disease cases and cardiac procedures, like transcatheter aortic valve replacement, aortic valve implantation, transcatheter repair of ruptured sinus Valsalva, and more.
We are equipped with the latest medical technology to ensure that you receive the right care and treatment at our clinic.
Before initiating any treatment, we undergo a complete evaluation of your health condition using the most suitable diagnostic test like cardiac MRI or CT scan, ECG, cardiac catheterization, or others.
Book a consultation appointment today to get a detailed evaluation of your health and receive the best possible treatment with our experienced cardiologists and heart surgeons.
