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Valve replacement – Risks, Precautions, Process and Tips



Your heart is not just an expression of romance; it is one of the most vital organs in your body. Your heart plays a fundamental role in the circulation of blood and nutrients to the other organs of the body and keeping them all alive and functional. The valves in the heart are also as crucial as the organ itself. The primary purpose of the pipes is to allow blood flow through the heart chambers. Once the blood enriched with nutrients steers in the chamber, the valve closes complete. However, if your pipes become weak and cannot close completely, it causes the blood to surge rearward. This condition is called regurgitation and can cause a significant malfunction. Valve replacement is the solution to a valve that damages beyond repair. That is why today we, healthy hearts Gurgaon came up with this blog

The valve replacement is a surgical process in which your doctor replaces the damaged valve by a healthy and properly functioning mechanical or biologic valve. The healthy heart clinic in Gurgaon provides exceptional guidance on heart health and best-quality treatment for heart issues. Under the leadership of Dr(Col). Monik Mehta, the clinic offers comprehensive care address all your cardiac needs. Dr. Mehta is highly qualified and has over 30 years of experience, including 20 years of serving to the Indian Army. His expertise, along with the state-of-the-art equipment and highly skilled support staff, ensures a pleasant experience for you.

 

Risks associated with the surgery

The risks involved in valve replacement surgery are subjective and may vary in different cases. Major factors the chances depend on are your valve condition and overall health, the expertise of the practitioner, and the type of procedure that is needed to perform. Here are some risks involved in the process.

  • Bleeding after the surgery
  • Formation of blood clots
  • Dysfunction in replacement valves
  • Problems with the rhythm of the heart
  • Chances of infection
  • Temporary kidney issues which fade away in a few days
  • stroke

If you experience chest pain or dizziness, pain, swelling, or pus at the wound, high fever, or shortness of breath, you should immediately contact your doctor for consultation. Often the surgery is performed under the supervision of multi-disciplinary experts to minimize the risk. The experience of the surgeon and the number of cases the clinic handles contribute to their proficiency and can potentially reduce the uncertainty during and post-surgery.

 

Precautions you can take to ensure safe and successful valve replacement

While your doctor will do his/her best to ensure the success and real accomplishment of the valve replacement, you can also contribute by taking the necessary precautions. The precautions are needed to be considered both before and after the surgery to avoid any complications.

  • Discuss any medicine or even vitamin supplements you take with your doctor and ask whether you can continue them or not.
  • Discuss any medical conditions you might have. Even a simple cold can turn into a significant complication. Knowing beforehand, your doctor can take necessary measures to mitigate the influence of such conditions on the operation.
  • It would be best if you stopped smoking and alcohol consumption at least two weeks before the operation. Quit smoking dramatically reduces the chances of blood clotting and bleeding issues.
  • You would be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight before the day of surgery.
  • Mentally prepare yourself for the surgery, keep your finances ready, and ask your caregivers to be with you.

 

The procedure

The valve replacement surgery can be of three types depending on the valve that is needed to replace.

  • Aortic valve replacement (outflow valve on the left side of your heart)
  • Mitral valve replacement (inflow valve on the left side of your heart)
  • Double valve replacement (replacement of both the valves. Not a common type)

The procedure for any valve replacement is an open-heart surgery that is two to four hours long. A typical process involves the following steps.

  • General anesthesia before the surgery
  • The doctor creates an opening in your chest and your breast bone
  • You will be on a bypass machine or a heart-lung machine that will circulate the blood while your heart is at rest for the surgery
  • The new valve replaces the damaged valve
  • The openings are closed and sealed by sutures

Your surgeon may also suggest and perform minimal invasion surgery. It requires a smaller opening in the chest, and the breast-bone may or may not be slit.

Tips for living after valve replacement

Recovering and living after the surgery would need some lifestyle changes. The following tips will accelerate recovery, minimize the risk of complications, and keep your heart healthy.

  • Follow your doctor’s instructions. It would take four to eight weeks to recover completely. It would be best if you took care of your wound to avoid infections
  • Eat a healthy-heart diet
  • Take your medicines regularly
  • Make exercise routine only after consulting with your doctor and follow it habitually
  • Stay in contact with your doctor
  • Join a community if possible for support and guidance for heart care