Patients with Asymptomatic Aortic Stenosis: Why Perioperative Complications Shouldn't Be a Concern

2024.08.28  509

Research team from the Department of Cardiology at Samsung Medical Center published a study in the Journal of the American Heart Association, demonstrating that the risk of noncardiac surgery for asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis is similar to that of the general patient population. This study aimed to address the issue that patients with severe aortic stenosis often face difficulties in undergoing surgery for other conditions due to the perception that they are at high cardiac risk.

The research team analyzed 218 patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis at Samsung Medical Center between 2011 and 2019. They were compared to 436 control subjects of similar age and health conditions. The results revealed no significant difference in the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events after surgery between the two groups. In particular, there was no difference in perioperative complications such as death, heart attack, and stroke. Furthermore, this study was the first to identify that heart damage detected by symptoms rather than echocardiography, was a major risk factor.

This study highlights that, in cases of severe aortic stenosis, the risks of noncardiac surgery are comparable to that of the general patient population. It aims to foster an environment where these patients can undergo necessary surgeries without undue concern. The research team hoped the results would enhance the accuracy of risk assessments for noncardiac surgery in patients with asymptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis and establish a foundation for safer treatment.

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Patients' Rights and Responsibilities

Patients' Rights

1. Right to receive medical care

Patients have the right to receive proper care in a safe setting without discrimination nor should their right to care be violated regardless of their gender, age, religion, social status, nationality, language, race, or physical/mental/financial status. Medical teams shall not refuse to provide care without justifiable reason.

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Patients have the right to obtain full and complete information from their medical team, to ask questions, and to determine their agreement or refusal concerning: diagnosis, treatment (purpose, plans and methods), outcomes of care (including unanticipated outcomes), discharge plan, participation in medical research studies, organ transplantation/donation, etc. Within ethical boundaries, patients may discontinue or refuse treatment, request that the medical team explain and suggest alternative treatments, and reserve the right to make their own decisions.

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Patients have the right to receive hospital-provided care where the patient’s medical information is protected and patient safety can be assured. In addition, patients have the right to be protected from possible dangers that can occur in a hospital and to have stability of mind and body.

Patients' Responsibilities

1. Responsibility to trust and respect the medical team

Patients must accurately inform the medical team of their health condition and must trust and respect the medical team's treatment plan. Patients may be responsible for consequences that result from not following instructions.

2. Responsibility to not use dishonest methods for medical treatment

Patients must reveal their identity before receiving any medical care and must not use false or dishonest methods, such as seeking medical care under disguised ownership.

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Patients are expected to treat all hospital staff and other patients with courtesy and respect; to abide by all hospital rules; and to earnestly fulfill their financial obligation to the hospital. Also, patients and their family members are expected to participate in all safety regulations.