Cardiac Valve Replacement

Valve replacement surgery is a procedure to replace a diseased or damaged heart valve with a prosthetic valve. Heart valves play a critical role in ensuring blood flows in the correct direction within the heart. When a valve malfunctions, it can disrupt blood flow and lead to various heart problems.

Reasons for valve replacement surgery:

There are several reasons why someone might need valve replacement surgery. Some common conditions that can necessitate this surgery include:

• Valve stenosis: This occurs when a heart valve narrows, obstructing blood flow.
• Valve regurgitation: This happens when a heart valve doesn't close properly, causing blood to leak backward.
• Congenital heart defects: Birth defects affecting the heart valves may require replacement surgery.
• Endocarditis: An infection of the heart lining or valves can damage heart valves.

Types of heart valve replacements:

There are two main types of prosthetic valves used in valve replacement surgery:

• Mechanical valves: These valves are made from durable materials like metal or plastic and last a lifetime. However, they require lifelong blood-thinning medication to prevent blood clots.
• Biological tissue valves: These valves are made from animal tissue (pig or cow) or human tissue (cadaveric). They don't require blood thinners but may eventually deteriorate and require another replacement surgery years down the line.

The valve replacement procedure:

Valve replacement surgery is a major procedure typically performed under general anesthesia. The specific approach may vary depending on the valve being replaced and the patient's condition. Here's a general outline of the steps involved:

1. Chest incision: A surgical incision is made, either down the middle of the chest bone (sternotomy) or through a smaller lateral incision on the right side (minimally invasive approach).
2. Cardiopulmonary bypass: The heart-lung bypass machine takes over the functions of the heart and lungs while the surgeon operates on the stopped heart.
3. Access to the valve: The surgeon accesses the affected heart valve.
4. Valve removal: The diseased valve is carefully removed.
5. Valve replacement: The prosthetic valve is sewn into place using sutures or an anchoring mechanism.
6. Weaning off bypass and closure: Once the valve is replaced, the heart is gradually weaned off the bypass machine and allowed to resume beating on its own. The chest cavity is then closed with sutures or wires.

Recovery from valve replacement surgery:

After valve replacement surgery, you will typically stay in the hospital for several days for monitoring and recovery. Recovery at home can take weeks to months, depending on your individual health and the complexity of the surgery.

Here are some key aspects of recovery:

• Pain management: Medication will be provided to manage pain and discomfort after surgery.
• Physical therapy: Rehabilitation is crucial to regain strength, improve flexibility, and restore normal function.
• Medication: You may need to take blood thinners (if a mechanical valve is used) and medications to manage heart failure or other underlying conditions.
• Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and managing stress is important for long-term heart health.

Risks and complications of valve replacement surgery:

As with any major surgery, there are risks and complications associated with valve replacement surgery, such as:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Stroke
• Blood clots
• Kidney problems
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Valve dysfunction (failure of the prosthetic valve)
• Death (although rare)

If you have a heart valve problem and our doctor recommends valve replacement surgery, it's important to discuss the risks and benefits thoroughly. They can help you understand the specific valve options available, the potential impact on your lifestyle, and answer any questions you may have.