During heart valve surgery, diseased heart valves are either repaired or replaced. The artificial valve is sown on to the tissue that remains from the original valve. The replacement valves can be artificial (made of metal) or from an animal or human donor.
Also Known As:
- Heart surgery
- Heart valve surgery
- Cardiac surgery
Conditions Treated with Heart Valve Replacement:
Heart valve replacement may be utilized to treat conditions such as stenosis (narrowing of the heart valves), leaking of the heart valves and prolapse, a condition that is characterized by the mitral valve flaps not closing correctly.
Sometimes, close evaluation is all that is needed for heart valve related conditions. Some patients are prescribed medications for conditions that accompany the issue, like high blood pressure for example. A surgical alternative to heart valve replacement in the case of valvular stenosis is balloon valvotomy.
Anesthesia with Heart Valve Replacement:
Heart valve replacement is performed with general anesthesia, which means that the patient is asleep and completely unaware during the procedure.
Potential Complications from Heart Valve Replacement:
Possible risks following heart valve replacement include infection, blood clotting and a negative reaction to the anesthesia. It is also possible for the patient to experience an abnormal heartbeat or for the new replacement valve to malfunction.
Prognosis after Heart Valve Replacement:
The prognosis for a positive end result following heart valve replacement is good. Patients who have a mechanical valve will need to take blood thinning medications, and patients with valves from animal donors will need a new replacement every 10 to 15 years.
Recovery from Heart Valve Replacement:
Heart valve replacement involves a hospital stay of up to one week. The total recovery time is approximately four to six weeks.