In April 2024, the handsome dog Joshua returned to Xinyu Animal Hospital for his third postoperative follow-up. It has been three years since his successful double-V-Clamp surgery in March 2021. Joshua and his owner have enjoyed three more years together, and now Joshua is entering his 13th year. When diagnosed with late-stage MMVD Stage C, doctors estimated Joshua had only six months to live. To save his life, Joshua’s owner decided to adopt the V-Clamp surgery without hesitation. After the V-Clamp surgery, Joshua has been with his owner for three more years.
Surgery Review
Surgery Date: March 2021
In 2017, at the age of 6, Joshua was diagnosed with MMVD. Initially, his owner managed the condition with medication. However, as the disease progressed, the effectiveness of the medication diminished. Joshua was brought to Xinyu Animal Hospital at the age of 10. And Joshua was diagnosed with severe Stage C degenerative mitral valve disease.
Preoperative Regurgitation:
· Annulus diameter: 19.5mm
· Affected areas: A2 and P2 regions
A2 region: leaflet thickening, prolapse, and flail
P2 region: leaflet thickening and prolapse
· Regurgitation area: 7.8*5.8mm, elliptical, moderate to severe regurgitation
Due to the severe and complex regurgitation, a thorough evaluation was conducted, and the high-difficulty double-clamp technique was employed for Joshua's surgery. This is the first double-clamp case in China as well as in the world, making it a historically significant procedure for both Hongyu Medical and V-Clamp centers around the world.
Postoperative Condition:
· Two clamps were visible in the A2 and P2 regions
· VCW reduced to 2.3*1.9mm
· MR degree reduced by 70%, significantly improving regurgitation
Follow-Up Reviews
First Follow-Up: September 21, 2021 (6 months post-surgery)
· Echocardiogram showed significant reduction in regurgitation, VCW: 2.8mm*2.4mm
· No significant gaps or regurgitation between the clamps, stable clamping
· X-ray: VHS 10.3, VLAS 1.9, RLAD 1.8
· Heart size improved compared to pre-surgery, clear lung images, double clamp visible in the heart
Second Follow-Up: January 18, 2023 (2 years post-surgery)
Joshua, 12 years old, revisited Xinyu Pet Hospital for the second postoperative check-up.
· Results showed a stable condition
· Owner reported steady breathing, good spirits, appetite, and energy
Third Follow-Up: April 7, 2024 (3 years post-surgery)
· Stable Physical Condition: Joshua's overall health remains stable
· No Significant Increase in Residual Regurgitation
· Stable Clamp Position and Shape:
Clamp Axial Position: Compared to three years ago, there has been no significant axial rotation of the clamps.
Tissue Bridge Morphology: The tissue bridge formed by the clamps remains stable.
Clamp Movement: Dynamic observation shows that the clamps' movement trajectory remains stable.
The owner expressed satisfaction with the postoperative results, grateful for the extra time they have with Joshua, and hopeful that his condition remains stable for more happy time together. We wish Joshua continue to set records and live many more seasons to accompany his family members!
