Valve Replacement Surgery: Types, Procedures, and Recovery

Valve replacement surgery is a procedure to replace a damaged heart valve with a mechanical or biological one to help restore normal blood flow. Some people are born with heart valves that don’t form properly. Others may develop valves that become too narrow, stiff, or leaky over time. When this happens, blood can’t flow through the heart as it should.

Your heart has four valves that help control the direction of blood flow. When your heart beats, these valves normally open and close fully to keep blood moving in the right direction. This flow includes moving blood from one heart chamber to another and sending blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen. Additionally, it pumps oxygen-rich blood through the aorta to the rest of your body

But when a valve is diseased, it disrupts this flow, preventing blood from reaching its destination. Doctors may first try medications or valve repair to fix the issue.If those options don’t work, a heart valve replacement may be required to restore proper heart function.

Why Might I Need Surgery to Replace or Repair a Heart Valve?

Valve repair or replacement surgery is performed to address the issues brought on by one or more damaged heart valves. You may experience the following signs of heart valve disease or damage:

• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Breathing problems
• Palpitations
• Swelling in the abdomen, ankles, or feet (belly)
• Quick weight gain brought on by fluid retention

Your doctor might recommend heart valve repair or replacement surgery for various other reasons.

Risks of Heart Valve Repair or Replacement Surgery

Surgery to replace or repair a heart valve might come with the following risks:

• Bleeding during or following the procedure
• Clots in the blood that can result in a heart attack, stroke, or lung issues
• Infection
• Pneumonia
• Pancreatitis
• Breathing difficulties

Types of Heart Valve Replacement Surgery

Heart valve replacement surgery involves not only choosing between a mechanical or biological valve but also deciding how the procedure will be performed. Surgeons may carry out open-heart surgery, opt for a minimally invasive technique, or access the heart through a blood vessel.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is a less invasive option for treating severe aortic stenosis, a condition where the aortic valve becomes narrowed. Although it is commonly recommended for patients at high surgical risk, it can also be appropriate for individuals at any risk level.

During TAVR, a healthcare provider guides a catheter through an artery in the groin or through a small incision in the chest. This catheter carries a biological valve, which is positioned inside the damaged valve to restore proper function. This technique can also be used to replace a faulty pulmonary valve.

Open-heart surgery is typically recommended for younger patients, individuals with a bicuspid valve, or those who require additional procedures such as a coronary bypass or maze procedure.

Ross Procedure

The Ross procedure is a complex surgical option with several benefits, especially for younger patients with aortic valve disease. In this procedure, the surgeon takes the patient’s pulmonary valve and places it in the aortic valve position to replace the damaged one. A donor valve, called a pulmonary homograft, is placed where the original pulmonary valve was located.

Valve surgery can be combined with other heart operations by your cardiac surgeon. Examples include procedures involving multiple valve procedures during surgery and combining valve surgery with:

• Bypass surgery
• Surgery for an aortic aneurysm
• Atrial fibrillation surgical treatment

Preparing for Heart Valve Surgery

Your healthcare professional and care team will review the details of your heart valve surgery and answer any questions you may have. Before heading to the hospital, it’s important to talk with your family or loved ones about your upcoming stay and the kind of support you might need once you’re back home.

Medicines and Food

Consult your healthcare professional about:

• Before surgery, when and how should you take your usual medicines?
• How soon before surgery should you cease eating and drinking?

Personal Goods and Clothing

Your medical professionals could advise you to bring several things to the hospital, such as:

• A copy of your living will or advanced directive
• A list of the medicines you take
• Hearing aids, dentures, or eyeglasses
• Items that might put you at ease, such as books or portable music players
• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes
• Personal care products such as a toothbrush, comb, shaving kit, and more toothbrushes

What Takes Place Before a Heart Valve Operation?

The day before surgery, you may have a chest X-ray, echocardiogram, and an electrocardiogram (EKG). A CT scan, a heart cath, and lab testing are examples of further tests.

The region where your surgeon will operate will be cleaned and shaved by a medical professional. On the day before your procedure, avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight.

Find out which medications you can take before surgery from your doctor.

Bring easy-to-put-on footwear and loose, comfortable clothing. If you wear one, bring a bra that is simple to put on without lifting your arms. The person who brought you to the hospital can keep these belongings safe for you during surgery.

What Happens After a Heart Valve Operation?

Your medical team may transfer you to an intensive care unit (ICU) after surgery so they can closely monitor you. You will then be in a regular room. You might spend five to seven days in the hospital.

Your blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored by devices attached to you. In addition, you can have tubes for fluid drainage coming out of your chest.

After surgery, your doctor will advise you to eat, drink, and get some exercise as soon as you can. You may gradually increase your distance by beginning small walks in your room or down the corridor.

Your doctor could suggest you enrol in cardiac rehab, an exercise programme that is closely monitored.

Heart Valve Surgery Recovery and Follow Up

Depending on your rate of healing and the type of surgery that was done, full recovery might take a few weeks or even several months. The main concern just after surgery is an infection; therefore, keeping your incisions clean is crucial. Contact your doctor immediately if you get a fever, chills, discomfort, or swelling at the wound site, and increased wound drainage.

Speak with your doctor if

• The area around your incision or your chest hurts.
• You experience depression. This can occur following surgery and prolong your healing time.
• You’re feverish, which might indicate an infection.
• More than five pounds are added to your weight, indicating fluid retention.

Frequently Asked Questions