A surgical procedure performed by heart surgeons to treat various heart valve problems/defects is Heart Valve Surgery. This treatment is used to repair or replace a heart valve that is malfunctioning due to valvular heart disease, also called Heart Valve disease. This occurs when one of the four heart halves, which are in charge of pumping blood in the appropriate direction, fails to operate properly. It is a complex procedure that can take up to two hours to complete and that usually requires a few weeks of healing.

Pre-Procedure Preparations

• • You will be subjected to different tests such as a chest x-ray and blood tests as well as urine tests. These tests will help the medical team determine how your body will react to the surgery.
  • Members of the healthcare team will meet with you to go through the operation plan and address any questions you may have.
  • In order to do the procedure, you will be required to sign a consent form. You can ask questions if anything is unclear after carefully reading the form.
  • You should give up smoking, if you do, as soon as you can before the surgery. This may boost your general health and increase the likelihood that you will recover fully following surgery.
  • The night before your operation, you will be instructed by your doctor or nurse to fast (avoid eating or drinking). The doctor will ask all about your medications. Remember to let them know about EVERY medication you are taking. Inform them of all the over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal treatments, and supplements you may be using.
  • You may need to switch medications. Before your operation, you may be requested to cease taking blood thinners. Other medications, such as antibiotics or beta blockers, may be prescribed prior to surgery. You will also be advised whether or not to continue taking your other medications

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Benefits Of the Procedure

The most frequent minimally invasive technique is valve surgery, which can include both valve replacement & repair. Surgery for your heart valves can reduce your symptoms, lengthen your life expectancy, and perhaps prevent you from dying. You should be in a position to resume your regular activities in due time. Every patient heals at his or her own speed. Your overall health & fitness level affects how quickly you recover.

The possible benefits of heart valve surgery are as follows:

• Reduced chance of infection
• There is less need for lifetime anticoagulant (blood thinning) therapy.
• There is less bleeding and trauma.
• Lessen the severity of symptoms such as fluid retention, chest discomfort, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
• Provide you with more energy so that things like physical activity are easier and more enjoyable.

Eligibility For Heart Valve Surgery

A few medical and clinical tests will be performed by our doctors to assess your situation. If the tests show that you are a suitable candidate for the procedure, the physicians will schedule your treatment at the hospital.

The following tests are performed to diagnose heart valve disease:

• • Echocardiogram (Ultrasound of the Heart)

    A portable wand put on your chest emits sound waves that create a moving picture of the chambers and valves of your heart.

  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

    High-quality pictures of your heart are produced by combining radio & magnetic waves.

  • Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

    By placing a probe with an ultrasound transducer down your throat, a cardiac ultrasound can be conducted. Because the oesophagus is so close to the heart, this can produce pictures that are crisper than those from a standard echocardiogram.

  • Cardiac Catheterization (Angiogram)

    This test takes images of your coronary arteries, heart chambers, and heart valves using X-ray technology. A contrast dye injection into a catheter in your arm or leg aids in the production of the pictures.

  • Chest X-ray

    An immediate chest X-ray.

  • Exercise Stress Echocardiogram

    The results of an echocardiogram are used to determine how the heart’s valves and function respond to activity after a treadmill or bike ride

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Who is not Eligible?

Heart valve surgery could not be performed on the patients who:

• Is incapable of tolerating drugs that thin the blood or stop blood clots from developing.
• Possess a heart infection that is active or another illness

Unfavourable medical conditions, including heart failure, cardiac arrest, and blood clots, might result from the damaged valve if this problem is not addressed on time.

Heart valve surgery is a frequent, though difficult, medical treatment that is performed by the top cardiac surgeons and certified medical staff at Metro Hospitals. Our experienced & board-certified surgeons perform the replacement of a damaged heart valve with a new mechanical or biological valve, all with the help of modern technologies & state-of-the-art infrastructure.