Everything you need to know about heart valve repair and replacement surgery

The primary function of the heart valves is to allow the blood to flow in one direction only. Humans have four valves in the heart, mainly the bicuspid, tricuspid, pulmonary semilunar, and aortic semilunar. These operate like doors. Once blood passes through, the flaps close, preventing the backflow of blood due to the cardiac pressure generated in the walls.

However, sometimes, these valves may function differently. For example, they do not close on time or have irregular opening and closing times. When they start malfunctioning, doctors opt for surgeries because irregular functioning of these muscular doors can lead to several other consequences.

Most people don't know what happens in valve replacement and repair surgeries. Perhaps that's why they stall the procedure for as long as possible. Many people even get so apprehensive that they can suffer from depression. Keeping this in mind, we have described some facts about this surgical procedure through which the valves are repaired.

What is heart valve repair and replacement surgery?

Heart valves can easily malfunction owing to an array of reasons. They can quickly repair the issue in the early stages and ensure the doors start functioning normally. For example, if the flaps are not closing due to fat deposition, doctors will remove them and ensure the flaps start closing right on time.

But when it comes to conditions where the repair is impossible, doctors repair the original valves with artificial ones and ensure they work properly. There are two options for replacing the valves:

1. Mechanical valves: These are artificial and function just like mechanical doors. If the doctor uses this valve, the patient must take blood-thinning medications to prevent blood clotting, heart stroke, or myocardial infarction.

2. Biological tissue valve: In this, the tissues of cows, pigs, or the human cardiac muscles are used to make the flaps of the valves. You do not need to take thinning blood medicines for this case. However, the replacements can wear down due to tissue degeneration and require replacement.

What are the risks associated with heart valve repair and replacement surgery?

Like all types of surgeries, there are several risks associated with heart valve repair and replacement surgeries. Besides, the risks are higher in this case because the heart is involved and flaps of the valves play a crucial role in managing the entire process of blood purification.

So, before you agree to the surgery, you must be aware of the risks associated with this surgery.

1. Infection at the sight of surgery is one of the most common risks, especially if the process involves open heart surgery.

2. You should be aware of the intramuscular bleeding at the location of the stitches. Although it is not a fatal condition, doctors usually monitor the stitches and the surgical wound to prevent any clotting.

3. The stitches can get ruptured, causing profuse bleeding. It can even lead to heart attacks or strokes.

4. The replacement valves sometimes fail to function as they are expected to. As a result, the patient may suffer from critical medical conditions.

5. Irregular heart patterns or pulse rate is another risk involved with heart valve repair and replacement surgeries.

What is the average recovery time for heart valve repair and replacement surgery?

There is no fixed time to recover the heart valve repair and replacement surgery. It depends on the criticality of the surgery, the lifestyle you follow the next day, and so on. This is why you should follow the doctors' instructions properly without fail.

Conclusion

Heart valve surgery or Heart valve repair and replacement surgery is a standard procedure, owing to the advanced medical science and the availability of different alternatives. However, you should be aware of the risks associated with the surgery and the recovery lifestyle to be followed. You can also visit Medipulse hospital for more information and treatment.