Heart Valve Replacement Surgery

Heart valve replacement surgery addresses issues with a valve that is either too constricted or doesn't close properly. Efficient valve function is essential for guiding blood flow in the correct direction through the heart. Surgical options for heart valve procedures encompass open-heart surgery, minimally invasive techniques, or accessing the heart through veins. The recovery period typically ranges from one to two months, depending on the specific surgery performed.

Why Is Heart Valve Replacement Surgery Needed?

Heart Valve Replacement Surgery is performed to manage the heart valve diseases, which can manifest in two primary forms:

• Narrowing of a valve (stenosis)
• Leaking of a valve, allowing backward blood flow (regurgitation)

Individuals may require heart valve replacement surgery if the disease is impacting the heart's ability to effectively pump blood. In cases where there are no apparent signs or symptoms or the condition is mild, doctors may recommend regular monitoring along with lifestyle adjustments and medications to manage symptoms.

In some cases, this heart surgery may be advised even in the absence of symptoms, especially if the individual is undergoing surgery for another heart-related condition. The decision to undergo the surgery, including the consideration of minimally invasive procedures, is a collaborative discussion between the patient and the doctor. Eventually, the affected valve may need repair or replacement, a decision that depends on the specific circumstances.

When possible, Heart Valve Repair is often preferred, as it preserves the natural valve and may maintain heart function. However, there are situations where valve replacement becomes necessary and is deemed the most effective option. Doctors also assess whether minimally invasive heart surgery is suitable for the patient, discussing the potential benefits and risks associated with each procedure.

Before Surgery

Discuss with your doctor the following aspects before undergoing Heart Valve Replacement Surgery:

• Clarify the timing for your regular medications and whether they can be taken before the surgery.
• Provide information about any allergies or adverse reactions to medications you may have experienced.
• Consult your healthcare provider regarding the specific medications permissible before the surgery.
• Determine the appropriate time to refrain from eating or drinking the night before the surgery. Its essential not to consume any food or beverages after midnight on the day of the surgery.
• Additionally, you might undergo pre-surgery assessments such as a chest X-ray, echocardiogram, and electrocardiogram (EKG) on the day before the surgery. Other diagnostic tests like a CT scan, heart catheterization, and lab tests may also be conducted.

Preparation on the day of surgery:

The surgical area will be prepared by shaving and cleaning, a routine performed by a healthcare provider. To prevent infection, your skin may be washed with a specialized soap. When preparing for the surgery, bring along loose and comfortable clothing, as well as easy-to-put-on shoes. If you wear a bra, consider bringing one that can be put on without requiring you to raise your arms. The person accompanying you to the hospital can hold onto these items during the surgical procedure.

You will be administered anesthetics to induce a sleep-like state for the procedure, and a heart-lung bypass machine will be employed to maintain blood circulation throughout.

If your heart valve is not amenable to repair, and a catheter-based procedure is not viable, replacement of the valve may become necessary. In this process, your doctor removes the impaired heart valve and substitutes it with either a mechanical valve or a valve crafted from the tissue of cow, pig, or human hearts (biological tissue valve).

Biological valves may require eventual replacement due to natural breakdown over time. In the case of a mechanical valve, lifelong intake of blood-thinning medications is necessary to prevent blood clots. Your doctors will engage in discussions with you to weigh the risks and benefits associated with each type of valve.

Heart Valve Replacement Surgery can be conducted through standard Open-Heart Surgery, which entails an incision in your chest through the Breastbone. Alternatively, minimally invasive heart surgery involves smaller incisions compared to Open-Heart Surgery. Certain heart valves may be replaced through a minimally invasive catheter procedure. For instance, a catheter-based approach might be employed to introduce a replacement valve into a biological valve in the heart that is malfunctioning.

Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery encompasses procedures using elongated instruments inserted through one or more small chest incisions (Thoracoscopic Surgery), surgery through a small chest incision, or surgery conducted with robotic assistance (robot-assisted heart surgery).

Opting for Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery may result in a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, and reduced pain compared to Open-Heart Surgery. It is advisable to undergo Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery at medical centers with experienced medical teams proficient in performing such procedures.

Potential risks associated with Heart Valve Replacement Surgery encompass:

• Hemorrhaging
• Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
• Infection
• Impaired functioning of replaced valves
• Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
• Cerebrovascular accident (stroke)
• Fatality

Following your Heart Valve Replacement Surgery, you can anticipate spending a day or more in the intensive care unit (ICU). During this period, you will receive fluids and medications intravenously, while tubes are utilized to drain urine from the bladder and fluids and blood from the chest. Oxygen may be administered through a mask or nasal prongs.

After your ICU stay, you will likely be transferred to another hospital room for several days. The duration of your hospital stay hinges on your overall health and the specifics of your surgery.

Post-surgery, your medical team will diligently monitor your health, keeping a close eye on potential signs of infection at the incision sites. Regular checks of blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate will be conducted. The team will collaborate with you to manage any post-surgery pain.

As part of your recovery plan, you'll be encouraged to engage in regular walking to gradually enhance your activity levels. Additionally, coughing and breathing exercises are recommended during the recovery process.

Throughout your recovery, you will receive specific instructions to follow, including:

• Monitoring for signs of infection in your incisions
• Adhering to your prescribed medication regimen
• Properly caring for your incisions
• Effectively managing pain and other potential side effects stemming from your surgery.

• Following heart valve replacement surgery, your doctor will provide guidance on the appropriate timing for your return to regular activities.
• It is essential to attend scheduled follow-up appointments with your doctor, during which several tests may be conducted to assess and track your overall condition.
• Your healthcare provider might suggest adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, incorporating changes such as:

1. Maintaining a nutritious diet
2. Engaging in regular exercise
3. Effectively managing stress
4. Abstaining from tobacco use

Most Heart Valve Replacement Surgery demonstrate high success rates, contributing positively to patients' well-being. Although there may be instances where valves require replacement in the future, advancements in medical science enhance the overall effectiveness of these interventions.

In a 2021 Swedish study encompassing 33,018 individuals undergoing aortic valve replacement surgery, the findings indicated a lower life expectancy among those who had undergone the procedure. However, it's important to note that not all deaths during the follow-up period were attributed to heart-related issues.

Additionally, a 2019 study published in the Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, involving 324 participants who underwent mitral valve replacement, presented encouraging statistics:

• A low mortality rate of 1.9% during the procedure.
• A 30-day postoperative mortality rate of 9%.
• Those who received a biological valve exhibited a commendable 62.4% survival rate at the 10-year mark.
• Individuals who opted for a mechanical valve displayed an even higher 77.1% survival rate at 10 years, highlighting the positive outcomes associated with these surgeries.

The cost of Heart Valve Replacement Surgery in India is generally more affordable than Western nations, while still maintaining world-class quality. The typical price range for such procedures in India spans from INR 2.97 lakh ($3600) to INR. 10,00,000( $ 12,578).

Following are the factors affecting cost of Heart Valve Replacement Surgery in India:

• Out of pocket expense
• Health insurance coverage
• Consultation fees
• Pre Surgical expenses
• Surgery cost
• Hospital fees
• Doctor fees
• Patients age
• Severity of valve damage
• Type of surgery
• Overall health status of the patients
• Complications involved after the surgery
• City where hospital is located

The expenses associated with the preliminary assessments and examinations conducted prior to the heart valve replacement surgery might cover various diagnostic procedures. These additional charges encompass tests such as X-Rays, CT Scans (Computed Tomography), MRI Scans (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), Carotid Doppler/Ultrasound Studies (Carotids), Ankle-Brachial Index (ABIs), Surface Echocardiograms (Echo), Vein Mapping, Trans-Esophageal Echocardiograms (TEE), ECG-gated SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (Stress Test), Heart Catheterization (Cath), Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and other diagnostic evaluations. The total expenses for these tests can vary between INR 1,00,000 and INR 1,50,000.

MedFlick, your trusted healthcare companion, is dedicated to ensuring that your medical journey goes as smoothly and successfully as possible.

• Individualized Guidance: Personalized guidance throughout your medical journey.
• Access to a broad network of prominent hospitals, top doctors, and skilled surgeons.
• Transparent and Competitive Pricing: A full breakdown of treatment costs that eliminates surprises and offers you cost-effective solutions.
• MedFlick provides everything from travel arrangements to hotel and visa help to lodging.
• Multilingual Support: Breaking down language barriers to allow patients and medical professionals to communicate more effectively.
• The road to a successful heart valve replacement surgery is challenging, full of hope, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future. With MedFlick as your guide, navigating this life-changing adventure becomes simple and liberating.