How Serious Is Valve Replacement Surgery?

Every year more than 30 percent of the world population suffers from different types of heart disorders. Out of all aortic stenosis is the most common problem. In this condition the heart valve gets narrowed restricting the normal flow of blood to different parts of the body. If not treated on time then this can lead to heart conjunction or heart failure leading to death of the patient. The only effective solution to this problem is replacement of affected or damaged valve.

How Serious Is Valve Replacement Surgery?

How Serious Is Valve Replacement Surgery?

In majority of cases open heart surgery is performed by surgeons for valve replacement. As the name suggest, in this procedure surgeons open the heart and replace the affected valve. Further, the artificial valve made of animal tissue is then placed in the position of the old valve. Open heart surgery is a very common practice, it is considered safe for all types of patient except the one who are very aged or are not physically fit to undergo the surgery. There are also ways by which affected valves can be replaced without opening the chest. This procedure is known as minimally invasive surgery in which a small incision is made on the chest for replacing valve.

Before Starting The Procedure

Before the procedure is performed by the surgeon, they perform complete checkup of the patient and based on the severity of the problem decide whether or not to perform valve replacement surgery procedure. The surgeon discusses all the aspects of the valve replacement surgery in detail with the patient and their family members. After explaining everything to the patient, they take consent from the patient/family members and thereafter start the procedure.

Risk Factors

Seriousness of the valve replacement surgery depends on the extent heart is damaged. As mention above surgeons clearly discuss with their patients about the various risk factors that are associated with the surgery. They also explain them the reason for undertaking any particular valve replacement procedure.

During The Valve Replacement Surgery Procedure

To ensure that patient knows about the valve replacement surgery procedure, doctor undertakes a number of actions, such as:

Making Decision- Discussing the condition of the patient with different experts like surgeons, respiratory therapist, anesthesiologist, cardiologist and nurses.

Explaining to the Family- Doctors discusses with the family members of the patient about the different aspects of the surgery.

Checking: Doctors also visit the ICU i.e., intensive care unit or any other special area where the patient will be kept after the valve replacement surgery valve replacement surgery for recovery.

Procedure: While the valve replacement surgery procedure is on doctor open the chest of the patient and the removes the affected valve and places an artificial heart valve. During the procedure patient is given anesthesia so that the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure.

Heart Functioning Machine: While the valve replacement surgery procedure is on, there comes a phase when temporarily the heart stops working and during this period patient is kept on heart functioning machine. This machine helps in maintaining normal breathing and blood circulation of the patient. On the other hand, some procedures are performed directly on the working heart of the patient. It is the doctor who will decide which type of procedure will be safe and effective for the patient.

After The Valve Replacement Surgery Procedure

Once the surgery is complete by replacing the affected valves with healthy artificial valve, then heart of the patient starts beating on its own and the incision made on patient’s body is properly sewed. After the valve replacement surgery is complete, the patients are kept in the ICU i.e. intensive care unit where patient is closely observed and so that any complication is detected on time. ICU is a restricted area for family and friends, but once doctor feels that the condition of the patient is stable, then the patient is shifted to another room where family and friends are allowed to visit.

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:December 22, 2023

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