Heart Valve Surgery is a medical procedure aimed at repairing or replacing one or more of the heart’s valves. The heart has four valves: the aortic, mitral, pulmonary, and tricuspid valves, which regulate blood flow through the heart and to the rest of the body. Problems with these valves can lead to significant heart issues and symptoms.
Types of Heart Valve Surgery:
- Valve Repair: This involves fixing the existing valve to restore proper function. It can include procedures such as valve annuloplasty or valvuloplasty.
- Valve Replacement: When repair isn’t possible, the valve is replaced with a prosthetic one. There are two main types:
- Mechanical Valves: Made from durable materials, these valves are designed to last a lifetime but require lifelong blood-thinning medication.
- Biological Valves: Made from animal tissue, these valves tend to last 10-20 years and may not require long-term medication.
Indications for Heart Valve Surgery:
- Severe valve stenosis (narrowing)
- Severe valve regurgitation (leakage)
- Congenital valve defects
- Valve damage due to infection or disease
Recovery: Recovery typically involves a hospital stay of 5-7 days and a rehabilitation period of several weeks to months, depending on the individual’s overall health and the complexity of the surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of heart valve surgeries are available?
The main types are valve repair and valve replacement, with mechanical or biological prosthetic valves.
When is heart valve surgery necessary?
It is typically needed for severe valve stenosis, regurgitation, congenital defects, or damage from infection or disease.
