Hancock

Hancock is a term used in the medical field, particularly in the area of cardiology and cardiac surgery. It refers to a type of bioprosthetic heart valve that is used in heart valve replacement surgeries. The Hancock heart valve is made from porcine (pig) tissue and is designed to mimic the function of a natural human heart valve.

History

The Hancock heart valve was first introduced in the 1970s by Medtronic, a medical device company. It was named after the company's founder, Earl E. Bakken, and his business partner, Palmer J. Hermundslie. The valve was one of the first successful bioprosthetic heart valves and has been used in thousands of surgeries worldwide.

Design and Function

The Hancock heart valve is made from porcine tissue, which is treated to remove any potential antigens that could cause an immune response in the patient. The tissue is then mounted on a stent, which is a metal frame that holds the valve in place. The valve is designed to open and close with each heartbeat, allowing blood to flow through the heart in the correct direction.

Use in Surgery

In a heart valve replacement surgery, the patient's damaged or diseased heart valve is removed and replaced with a Hancock valve. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and can take several hours to complete. After the surgery, patients typically need to take anticoagulant medications to prevent blood clots from forming on the new valve.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with heart valve replacement surgery. These can include infection, bleeding, and complications from anesthesia. There is also a risk of the new valve failing or becoming infected. However, the Hancock valve has a good track record of performance and durability, and these risks are relatively low.

See Also

• Heart Valve Disease
• Heart Valve Replacement
• Bioprosthetic Heart Valve
• Medtronic

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