How heart valve replacement surgery is performed? | Your guide to heart valve replacement surgery
Heart valve disease is a condition where one or multiple valves in the heart do not function properly. In a healthy heart the valves open and close once during each heartbeat which ensures blood flows in the right direction. However, valves can fail to open properly (called stenosis) or close properly (called regurgitation) which can result in blood being stopped at inopportune moments or leaking. The type of heart valve disease you have (aortic, mitral, pulmonary, or tricuspid) depends
on the valve affected. Treatment of the condition may include medication, balloon valvotomy, or heart valve replacement surgery. If your condition is mild enough, the doctor may take a wait and see attitude.
on the valve affected. Treatment of the condition may include medication, balloon valvotomy, or heart valve replacement surgery. If your condition is mild enough, the doctor may take a wait and see attitude.
When it comes to heart valve surgery, the surgeon may take one of two approaches. The doctor may repair the valve. This involves tightening the valve by sewing a ring around the opening.
The valve may also be cut, separated, or shortened in order to get it function properly. The other option the surgeon may take is to completely replace the valve with a prosthetic. The prosthetic may be mechanical and made from artificial materials. These types of valves require the patient to take an
anticoagulant for the rest of their life. Biological prosthetics also exist which are transplanted from cows, pigs, or other human donors. However, these valves tend to wear out quicker than mechanical ones.
The valve may also be cut, separated, or shortened in order to get it function properly. The other option the surgeon may take is to completely replace the valve with a prosthetic. The prosthetic may be mechanical and made from artificial materials. These types of valves require the patient to take an
anticoagulant for the rest of their life. Biological prosthetics also exist which are transplanted from cows, pigs, or other human donors. However, these valves tend to wear out quicker than mechanical ones.
Heart valve replacement surgery is similar to bypass surgery. The patient is put under general anesthesia and the chest is opened. Since the heart cannot beat during the surgery, the patient is hooked up to a heart-lung machine that ensures oxygen is circulated throughout the
body. The heart is then stopped so that the surgeon can repair or replace the valve. Minimally invasive heart valve surgery can be done as an alternative. This option involves smaller cuts in the chest which result in a faster recovery and less pain.
body. The heart is then stopped so that the surgeon can repair or replace the valve. Minimally invasive heart valve surgery can be done as an alternative. This option involves smaller cuts in the chest which result in a faster recovery and less pain.
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