Heart Valve Surgery: Procedure Details & Benefits

Heart valve surgery is a specialized procedure performed by cardiac surgeons to address a range of heart valve issues and defects caused by valvular heart disease. This treatment involves repairing or replacing malfunctioning heart valves, which are essential for ensuring proper blood flow through the heart. When one of these valves fails to function correctly, it can disrupt the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently. The surgery is complex, typically lasting up to two hours, and requires several weeks of recovery time to ensure optimal healing.

Pre-Procedure Preparations

• • You will be subjected to different tests such as a chest x-ray and blood tests as well as urine tests. These tests will assist the medical team in evaluating how your body will respond to the surgery.
  • Members of the healthcare team will convene with you to discuss the surgical plan and address any inquiries you may have.
  • Before proceeding with the procedure, you will need to sign a consent form. If you have any questions or uncertainties after reviewing the form, feel free to ask.
  • It is advisable to quit smoking as soon as possible before the surgery. Doing so can improve your overall health and enhance your chances of a full recovery following the procedure.
  • The night before your operation, your doctor or nurse will instruct you to refrain from eating or drinking. The doctor will ask all about your medications. Remember to let them know about EVERY medication you are taking Inform them about all over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal treatments, and supplements you may be taking.
  • You may need to switch medications. Before your operation, you may be requested to cease taking blood thinners. Additional medications, such as antibiotics or beta blockers, may be prescribed before surgery. Your healthcare team will also provide guidance on whether to continue taking your current medications.

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Benefits Of the Procedure

The most frequent minimally invasive technique is valve surgery, which can include both valve replacement & repair. Surgery for your heart valves can reduce your symptoms, lengthen your life expectancy, and perhaps prevent you from dying. You should be able to gradually resume your regular activities as you recover. Every patient heals at their own pace, influenced by their overall health and fitness level.

The possible benefits of heart valve surgery are as follows:

• Reduced chance of infection
• There is less need for lifetime anticoagulant (blood thinning) therapy.
• There is less bleeding and trauma.
• Lessen the severity of symptoms such as fluid retention, chest discomfort, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
• Increase your energy levels, making activities like physical exercise easier and more enjoyable.

Eligibility For Heart Valve Surgery

A few medical and clinical tests will be performed by our doctors to assess your situation. If the tests indicate that you are eligible for the procedure, the physicians will arrange your treatment schedule at the hospital.

The following tests are performed to diagnose heart valve disease:

• • Echocardiogram (Ultrasound of the Heart)

    A portable wand put on your chest emits sound waves that create a moving picture of the chambers and valves of your heart.

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

    High-quality pictures of your heart are produced by combining radio & magnetic waves.

  • Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

    By placing a probe with an ultrasound transducer down your throat, a cardiac ultrasound can be conducted. Because the oesophagus is so close to the heart, this can produce pictures that are crisper than those from a standard echocardiogram.

  • Cardiac Catheterization (Angiogram)

    This test takes images of your coronary arteries, heart chambers, and heart valves using X-ray technology. A contrast dye injection into a catheter in your arm or leg aids in the production of the pictures.

  • Chest X-ray

    An immediate chest X-ray.

  • Exercise Stress Echocardiogram

    The results of an echocardiogram are used to determine how the heart’s valves and function respond to activity after a treadmill or bike ride.

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Who is not Eligible?

Heart valve surgery could not be performed on the patients who:

• Cannot tolerate medications that thin the blood or prevent blood clots from forming.
• Possess a heart infection that is active or another illness

Unfavourable medical conditions, including heart failure, cardiac arrest, and blood clots, might result from the damaged valve if this problem is not addressed on time.

Heart valve surgery is a common yet intricate medical procedure performed by highly skilled cardiac surgeons and certified medical professionals at Metro Hospitals. Our experienced & board-certified surgeons perform the replacement of a damaged heart valve with a new mechanical or biological valve, all with the help of modern technologies & state-of-the-art infrastructure.