During heart valve surgery, one or more of the heart’s four valves are repaired or replaced. Your valves, which are placed between your heart’s four chambers, maintain the correct blood flow. Each time your heart beats, blood should flow through your heart in a single direction if your valves are functioning properly.
Your four heart valves are:
- Tricuspid: Permits the movement of oxygen-poor blood from the right atrium (upper chamber) to the right ventricle (lower chamber).
- Pulmonary: Permits blood to flow from the right ventricle (lower chamber) to the pulmonary artery, which transports blood to the lungs to receive oxygen.
- Mitral: Permit oxygen-rich blood returning from the lungs to pass from the left atrium (upper chamber) to the left ventricle (lower chamber) (lower chamber).
- Aortic: Permits the movement of oxygen-rich blood from the left ventricle (lower chamber) to the aorta, which supplies blood to the entire body.
Types of heart valve replacement surgery:
The two surgical options for heart valve replacement are:
Valve repair surgery:
To repair the damaged or defective valve while maintaining as much of the patient’s tissue as possible. The mitral valve is the most often repaired valve, however aortic and tricuspid valve abnormalities can also be treated surgically.
Valve replacement surgery:
To replace the defective valve with a biological (pig, cow, or human tissue) or mechanical (metal or carbon) valve. All valve replacements are biocompatible, thus your immune system will not reject your replacement valve.
When is heart valve replacement surgery needed?
You may have been born with a valve defect or developed a valve leak, stiffness, or constriction.
You will likely require therapy for heart valve disease if you have the following symptoms:
- Chest pain.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Fainting.
Medication can help improve your symptoms and quality of life, but surgery is the only long-term solution that is effective. Ask the best cardiac surgeon when you should consider undergoing it.
How serious is heart valve replacement surgery?
During an aortic valve replacement, a malfunctioning or damaged valve is removed and replaced with a new valve composed of synthetic materials or animal tissue. It is a big operation that is not appropriate for everyone and has a lengthy recovery period.
Heart valve replacement benefits of undergoing the procedure:
Surgical replacement of heart valves can alleviate symptoms, increase life expectancy, and avoid death.
Potential benefits of heart valve replacement include:
Repair or replacement of the valve can improve blood flow, lessen symptoms of heart valve illness, and extend life.
Why is heart valve replacement recommended?
Surgery is performed to treat heart valve problems. There are two fundamental types of heart valve disorders:
- A constriction of a valve
- A valve leak that allows blood to flow in reverse.
If you have heart valve disease that impairs your heart’s ability to pump blood, you may require surgery.
If you have no symptoms or if your illness is minor, your doctor may recommend routine monitoring of your heart valve disease. Modifications to one’s lifestyle and medicines may aid with symptom management.
The various types of heart valve replacement surgery:
Aortic Valve Replacement:
On the left side of the heart is an outflow valve called the aortic valve. Its function is to allow blood to exit the main pumping chamber of the heart, the left ventricle. It is also responsible for closing to prevent blood from leaking back into the left ventricle.
If you have a congenital abnormality or a disease that causes stenosis or regurgitation of your aortic valve, you may require aortic valve surgery.
Bicuspid valves are the most prevalent type of congenital defect. Typically, the aortic valve consists of three tissue parts called leaflets. The term for this is the tricuspid valve.
A valve with only two leaflets is referred to as a bicuspid valve. Consult the best hospital for heart valve replacement to avoid any complications through the procedure.
Mitral valve replacement:
The mitral valve is situated on the heart’s left side. It functions as an intake valve. Its function is to allow blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. Surgical intervention may be necessary if the valve does not fully open or close.
If the valve is too small, it can be challenging for blood to enter. This can cause it to back up, resulting in lung pressure. Blood can seep back into the lungs if the valve does not shut properly. This can be caused by a birth defect, an infection, or a degenerative condition.
The faulty valve will be replaced with either an artificial valve made of metal or a biological valve. The metal valve will last a lifetime, but you must take blood-thinning medication. The biological valve will last between 15 and 20 years, and you will not be required to take blood-thinning medication. Reach out to the valve replacement surgery in Coimbatore to undergo the treatment without any complications.
How long can a replaced valve last?
The duration of your valve repair or replacement depends on several factors:
- Age.
- Whether you undergo heart valve replacement or repair.
- The type of valve you have placed
Mechanical valves typically do not wear out, but they may need to be replaced if a blood clot, infection, or tissue growth prevents them from functioning properly. Biological valves may require replacement, especially in younger patients. Speak to your specialist to understand the heart valve replacement surgery cost in Coimbatore to take an informed decision.
Your surgeon will select the optimal procedure for your heart valve replacement. Once you know what type of surgery you will undergo, you can enlist the aid of your loved ones. You may be prohibited from bending and lifting for some time after surgery. Request assistance with housework and meal preparation so you can concentrate on your recovery.
