Szívprothézis

Szívprothézis is the Hungarian term for a heart prosthesis. This refers to an artificial device implanted into the heart to replace a damaged or diseased part. The most common type of heart prosthesis is a heart valve replacement. When a heart valve is no longer functioning correctly, either due to stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage), it can be replaced with an artificial valve. These artificial valves can be mechanical or biological. Mechanical valves are typically made of durable materials like pyrolytic carbon and are designed to last a lifetime, but require lifelong anticoagulation therapy. Biological valves, often derived from animal tissue or human donor valves, do not require anticoagulation but may have a limited lifespan and may need to be replaced over time.

Beyond valve replacement, the term szívprothézis can also encompass other artificial devices used to support or replace heart function. This includes ventricular assist devices (VADs), which are mechanical pumps implanted to help a weakened ventricle pump blood. VADs can be used as a bridge to transplant, a destination therapy for patients not eligible for transplant, or as a temporary measure to allow the heart to recover. In rare and severe cases of heart failure, a total artificial heart may be considered, which completely replaces both ventricles of the heart. The development and use of szívprothézis have significantly advanced cardiovascular medicine, offering life-saving and life-improving options for patients with severe heart conditions.