Izmir Hospital Performs World's Third TAVI on Patient with Multiple Mechanical Heart Valves

In a remarkable feat of medical innovation, Ege University Hospital in Izmir, Turkey, has successfully performed a complex heart operation on Raziye Çelik, a patient with a history of multiple cardiac interventions. Çelik, who already had mechanical mitral and tricuspid valve prostheses, presented with life-threatening severe aortic valve stenosis.

The surgical team, led by Prof. Dr. Mehdi Zoghi and Doç. Dr. Emre Demir, opted for a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedure. This approach is particularly noteworthy as Çelik's case marks only the third recorded instance worldwide where a patient with existing mechanical mitral and tricuspid valves underwent a TAVI procedure for aortic stenosis.

"We successfully concluded a rare case in the medical literature," stated Prof. Dr. Zoghi. "While heart surgeries are routine in our clinic, significant advancements have been made in aortic valve surgery globally and in Turkey in recent years. Our latest case had a very special situation; we can say it is a first for Turkey."

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We successfully concluded a rare case in the medical literature. Our latest case had a very special situation; we can say it is a first for Turkey.

Çelik, who had previously undergone three open-heart surgeries, expressed immense relief and gratitude. "Undergoing surgery again was considered quite risky," she said. "But thanks to the assessment by my doctor, Emre, the severe narrowing in my aortic valve was detected. The problem was resolved without the need for another open surgery, thanks to the valve placed through the groin. My breathing has opened up, and I am doing very well now."

The successful procedure underscores the advanced capabilities of Ege University Hospital's cardiology department and the collaborative spirit of its medical team, including Prof. Dr. Engin Bozkurt, Doç. Dr. Bekir Serhat Yıldız, Dr. Yaprak Tepeli, and the entire anesthesia, nursing, and technical staff.

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Undergoing surgery again was considered quite risky. But thanks to the assessment by my doctor, Emre, the severe narrowing in my aortic valve was detected. The problem was resolved without the need for another open surgery, thanks to the valve placed through the groin. My breathing has opened up, and I am doing very well now.