FAQ

For Heart Valve Patients

11. Is my ring affected by artificial sunlight (UVA) or microwave ovens?
12. Is my annuloplasty ring affected by high power transmission lines? ...powerful electric motors?
13. Is it possible that I will be allergic to the materials in my annuloplasty ring?
14. I have an annuloplasty ring. Is it safe for me to be tested with MRI?
15. I have an annuloplasty ring implant, should I be concerned about infection during a dental visit ?
16. How long can an annuloplasty ring implant last in a human body?
17. Do you have to take a blood thinner (Coumadin) with an annuloplasty repair ring implant?
18. Can annuloplasty rings be re-sterilized?
19. Will my valve be damaged by strong emotional responses?
20. Will my heart valve or annuloplasty ring be affected by computer tomography?

11. Is my ring affected by artificial sunlight (UVA) or microwave ovens?

No. Your own tissues are much more vulnerable to these energy sources than the ring is.

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12. Is my annuloplasty ring affected by high power transmission lines? ...powerful electric motors?

No. These electrical and magnetic fields are too weak to significantly heat or displace the valve or annuloplasty ring.

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13. Is it possible that I will be allergic to the materials in my annuloplasty ring?

It is very unlikely. However, if you suspect that you might be allergic to polyester, silicone, barium sulfate, titanium, or nitinol, you should discuss it with your surgeon who may arrange for testing prior to your surgery.

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14. I have an annuloplasty ring. Is it safe for me to be tested with MRI?

Yes, Sorin Group annuloplasty rings have been tested in between the range of 1.5 and 3.0 Tesla for excessive heating and displacement. The test results indicate that no displacement occurred and the impact from heat was negligible. Note however that some image distortion can occur in the vicinity of the valve.

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15. I have an annuloplasty ring implant, should I be concerned about infection during a dental visit ?

I have an annuloplasty ring implant, should I be concerned about infection during a dental visit for cleaning or other procedure ?

Valve patients undergoing ANY dental procedure should be considered for prophylactic treatment. Please consult your physician about this prior to visiting a dentist.

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16. How long can an annuloplasty ring implant last in a human body?

As long as the patient remains in good health after implantation of the ring implant, the annuloplasty ring should last for the remainder of the patient's lifetime. The ring itself should become quickly covered with the patient's native tissue, essentially blending into the background.

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17. Do you have to take a blood thinner (Coumadin) with an annuloplasty repair ring implant?

Do you have to take a blood thinner (Coumadin) with an annuloplasty repair ring implant? If yes, do you have to take it for the rest of your life?

For most cases, a blood thinner, also known as Coumadin, is typically prescribed for a limited period of time after an annuloplasty repair ring has been implanted. The time frame is generally based on how long it takes the patient's native tissue to seal the ring and no longer present a risk of thrombus/clotting formation. Given the serious nature of Coumadin therapy and its management, it is critical that you have clear understanding and guidance from either your cardiologist and/or family physician regarding your therapy regimen and the length of time that this therapy will be required.

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18. Can annuloplasty rings be re-sterilized?

If indicated, annuloplasty rings may be steam re-sterilized as many as two (2) times. Do not attempt to re-sterilize the annuloplasty ring if it has been soiled, dropped, damaged or contaminated with blood or organic material.

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19. Will my valve be damaged by strong emotional responses?

No, your valve will not be affected by your emotional condition.

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20. Will my heart valve or annuloplasty ring be affected by computer tomography?

No. Computer Tomography (CT) uses precision x-rays to produce high-quality images of organs. X-rays will not damage any of the Sorin Group products.

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