This is surgery to replace a damaged heart valve. The heart's four valves, which open and tightly close, allow blood to flow from one chamber to another. The valves also allow blood to leave the heart through the large blood vessels. The valves make it so that blood can only flow forward when the heart squeezes. Usually, only one valve is replaced at a time. But, at times, one or more valves may need to be replaced. The new heart valves can be:
This procedure is done to repair a valve that is not functioning properly due to:
If you are planning to have heart valve replacement, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Your doctor may do the following:
Leading up to your procedure:
General anesthesia will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery. It is given through an IV in your hand or arm.
The doctor will cut through the skin and breastbone. The chest cavity will be opened. Next, your heart will be connected to the heart-lung machine. This machine will take over the functions of the heart and lungs during the surgery. Next, the doctor will stop the heart. He will then make an incision and remove the damaged valve. The new valve will be stitched into place. The doctor will check to make sure the valve opens and closes properly. The incision in the heart will be closed, and the heart will be restarted. Once the heart is working fine, the doctor will remove you from the heart-lung machine. The chest will be closed with wires. Lastly, the skin will be closed with sutures.
You will be closely monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) with the help of the following devices:
3-5 hours (depending on how many valves need to be replaced)
You will have pain while recovering. Your doctor will give you pain medicine.
This procedure is done in a hospital setting. The usual length of stay is 2-5 days. The first day is spent in ICU. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.
While you are recovering at the hospital, you may be instructed to:
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
The surgical site in your breastbone heals in 4-6 weeks. After the recovery process, you should be able to return to normal activities.
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
RESOURCES
American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org/
National Library of Medicine
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://www.heartandstroke.ca/
References:
Cecil RL, Goldman L, Bennett J. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2000.
Society of Thoracic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.sts.org/. Accessed September 4, 2009.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Craig Clark, DO, FACC, FAHA, FASE
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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