On the Advancement of Knowledge

Doing my bit for science

One of the great things about having my repair done in Calgary is the Libin Cardiovascular Institute. It combines an integrated program of cardiovascular wellness, health care, research and education. This is one of the cutting edge heart programs in the country.  So, given my academic side, I was interested when Dr. M. asked if I'd consider participating in a research project.  

It was about a new kind of ring, more anatomically correct, for use in mitral valve repair.  Typically after the surgeon reconstructs the mitral valve, a prosthetic ring is attached around the opening of the annulus, the 'mouth' of the mitral valve, to help maintain its shape and support the proper functioning of the valve flaps.  This new ring, the Sorin MEMO 3D Annuloplasty Ring for Mitral Valve Repair, has been available for some time on the market but has not been studied enough to measure how it compares with the traditional annuloplasty ring.  The new MEMO 3D ring not only forms a circular ring but also dips in the middle (kind of like the Saddledome roof).  As well it is made with newer smoother high-tech materials and it better maintains its shape.  

Here's a link which has a funky animation of the ring and the mitral valve opening and closing like a mouth. 

Anyway, I agreed to participate in the study.  The risk seems to be no greater with the new ring than with the old.  It might even be better ... actually sort of looks to me like it ought to work better.

So, I'll do my bit for the advancement of science.  I think I'll even claim this as research activity on my professional activities report!