King Saud Medical City team performs complex heart surgery on critical patient

A highly skilled team at King Saud Medical City executed an intricate heart surgery on a critically ill 24-year-old patient. The procedure, conducted by Dr. Nasser Al-Juraid and his specialized medical team, entailed the removal of damaged tricuspid valve segments and a substantial inflammatory mass. The valve was subsequently replaced with a biological prosthesis.

The patient's condition had been precarious due to a protracted intensive care stay, resulting from an array of injuries, type 1 diabetes, hereditary factor VII deficiency, limited mobility, and a tracheostomy. The surgical procedure was further complicated by endocarditis arising from multiple vascular access lines, acute kidney dysfunction, and a substantial decrease in platelet count.

Prior to the surgery, the medical team administered continuous blood purification therapy, coagulation factor support, and platelet transfusions, all in accordance with a specialized protocol devised by the hematology team. During the operation, the affected valve leaflets and the large inflammatory mass were excised, the infected valve ring was cleansed, and a size 31 biological prosthesis was inserted.

A permanent epicardial pacing wire was also attached, and the patient was prepared for a potential future permanent pacemaker implantation. The surgery proved successful, and the patient's condition gradually improved. Vital signs stabilized, platelet counts returned to normal, kidney function improved, and urine output increased.

The tracheostomy was closed, and the patient regained the ability to speak, breathe, and eat normally. The patient is currently undergoing antibiotic therapy and an intensive rehabilitation program, with the goal of full recovery and discharge from the hospital. This accomplishment underscores the exceptional multidisciplinary collaboration at King Saud Medical City, highlighting the integration of various medical teams including cardiology, cardiac surgery, anesthesia, intensive care, hematology, nephrology, nursing, and cardiac rehabilitation.