The Mitral valve of the heart is situated between the left ventricle and left atrium, facilitating the blood movement from the heart towards the rest of the body. When the mitral valve isn't working properly, blood flow is restricted, which may cause breathing problems, leg swelling, and an irregular heartbeat that can result in blood clots and strokes. It is where Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery becomes important.
It is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or malfunctioned mitral valve of the heart with an artificial valve. Doing this surgery keeps the heart from having to work hard to pump blood throughout the body and into the left ventricle.
Due to the fact that the heart is exposed through a more conventionally large incision, the procedure is known as being "Open". The incisions in the Open surgery will be larger than the ones used in minimally invasive (laparoscopic) Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery.
Pre-Procedure Preparations
Before repairing or replacing the mitral valve, an echocardiogram and other tests may be carried out to learn more about your heart condition. Our experienced medical professionals at Metro Hospitals will review what to anticipate during surgery and any worries you might have.
Discussing your hospital stay and any potential assistance needs with your loved ones can be beneficial as you get ready for this replacement surgery. You'll receive detailed instructions from our doctor on how to proceed while recuperating at home.Patients are advised to follow the instructions enlisted below in order to get ready for mitral valve surgery:
Medication & Food
The surgical team will evaluate how current medications will affect the procedure. The surgical team will evaluate the patient's medications, as well as their diet, and they will advise on when to begin fasting in preparation for the procedure.
Clothing & Personal Belongings
Patients are advised to wear comfortable clothing and bring personal care items, such as a hairbrush, toothbrush, and shaving supplies, to prepare for surgery.
Medication & Allergy Precautions
This particular step is crucial because taking current medications can result in allergic reactions or other issues while the procedure is being done.
Benefits of the Procedure
- Increases the Life expectancy
- Heart function preservation
- Reduced risk of Stroke and Infection (Endocarditis)
- No need to take Blood Thinners
- A healthier heart will improve your lifestyle.
- Post-op discomfort will be minimal.
- Less wound infection and complications
- Quick return to normal daily activities
- Strength & Energy will be restored.
- Scar(s) will be hidden.
If you are undergoing minimally invasive surgery for Mitral Valve Replacement, then there will be more benefits, including shorter hospital stays, fast recovery, minimal scars, and less risk of infections.
Eligibility
If we notice any peculiar rhythmic patterns or sounds, this can help make a preliminary diagnosis. In addition to the checkup with the stethoscope, the heart doctors at Metro Hospitals will conduct the following tests that can help identify whether a person has mitral valve disease:
Echocardiogram:
An ultrasound test that produces pictures of the structure and blood flow patterns in the heart. These tests are useful in assisting doctors in selecting the best course of treatment and in monitoring patient improvement and treatment efficacy.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram :
A unique echocardiogram called a transesophageal echocardiogram provides a more precise picture of the heart. An echo probe, which has a tube attached to it and emits ultrasound waves into the oesophagus, is inserted into the patient's oesophagus to obtain this image. The doctor can assess the mitral valve from inside the oesophagus, which is located directly behind the heart, using the detailed image this device produces.
X-ray:
An X-ray can deliver images of irregularities in the chest.
Cardiac Catheterization:
During cardiac catheterization, a doctor passes a long, thin tube through the patient's arm, upper thigh, or neck into the heart. A doctor can see a picture of the blood vessels in the heart thanks to this test.
Holter Monitoring:
During this procedure, a person wears a small monitoring device that records heart rhythm helping the doctors assess the working of the heart.
Stress Exam:
During a stress test, a doctor can see how a patient's heart responds to physical strain.
Who is not eligible?
- People who have active infections (as these can spread to the heart and can be deadly).
- Patients who cannot take blood thinners or are allergic to them.
It is a serious surgical procedure required to address mitral valve issues in the heart. In some cases, less invasive treatments like medication or nonsurgical clip insertion can be used by doctors to treat mitral valve issues.
Metro Hospitals aims to provide the best course of treatment to its patients while offering optimum care & support for better recovery. Our state-of-the-art infrastructure & highly-advanced labs & fully equipped ICUs & Operation Theatres leads to the high success rates of the entire Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery and other procedures.