𝟐𝐃 𝐄𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦
August 1, 2024What is a Silent Heart Attack?
August 30, 2024Heart Valve Replacement and Repair
Heart valve replacement is a treatment for people whose heart valves are too damaged to be fixed. This surgery can help relieve symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. You have the option to choose between biological valves (made from animal or human tissue) and mechanical valves (made from durable materials). There are also different ways to perform the surgery. Most people have good outcomes with this procedure and can live many years with a new heart valve.
What is Heart Valve Replacement?
Heart valve replacement is a surgery where a damaged valve in your heart is replaced with a new one. You can get either a biological valve (made from animal or human tissue) or a mechanical valve (made from durable materials).
Sometimes, valves don’t develop properly from birth, or they might become too narrow, stiff, or leaky over time. When this happens, your heart struggles to pump blood efficiently.
Your heart has four valves that control blood flow. These valves open and close with each heartbeat, ensuring blood moves in the right direction:
- From one heart chamber to another.
- To your lungs for oxygen.
- To your aorta, which carries oxygen-rich blood to your body.
- If a valve is not working correctly, it’s like a sink drain that’s clogged—it doesn’t let all the blood flow where it should.
When medication or repair isn’t enough, heart valve replacement becomes necessary to restore proper blood flow.
Types of Heart Valves
- Mechanical Valves: Made from durable materials like titanium, long-lasting but require lifelong blood thinners.
- Biological Valves: Made from animal or human tissue, less likely to cause blood clots, but may need replacement after 10-20 years.
- Tissue Valves: Include porcine (pig) and bovine (cow) valves, generally well-tolerated but have a limited lifespan.
- Homograft Valves: Donor valves from deceased humans, available but limited in supply.
- Ross Procedure Valves: Uses the patient’s own pulmonary valve to replace the aortic valve, avoiding long-term anticoagulation but a more complex procedure.
Who Needs Heart Valve Repair?
Heart valve repair is needed for individuals with valves that are not functioning properly. Common reasons include:
- Valve Stenosis: When a valve becomes narrowed and restricts blood flow.
- Valve Regurgitation: When a valve leaks and allows blood to flow backward.
- Congenital Valve Issues: Valve defects present from birth.
- Infections: Conditions like endocarditis can damage heart valves.
- Rheumatic Fever: This can cause scarring and damage to the valves.
Patients with symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or fatigue may require valve repair to restore normal heart function.
Who Needs Heart Valve Replacement?
Heart valve replacement may be necessary for individuals with:
- Severe Valve Stenosis: When a valve is significantly narrowed, preventing adequate blood flow.
- Severe Valve Regurgitation: When a valve leaks excessively, causing blood to flow backward and impairing heart function.
- Degenerative Valve Disease: When valves deteriorate over time and can no longer function properly.
- Failed Previous Valve Repairs: If a previously repaired valve is no longer working effectively.
- Congenital Valve Defects: Severe valve issues present from birth that cannot be repaired.
Symptoms such as severe shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or fatigue often indicate the need for valve replacement to restore normal heart function and improve quality of life.
When is Heart Valve Replacement Surgery Required?
Heart valve replacement surgery is needed when:
- Severe Valve Stenosis: The valve is extremely narrowed, preventing adequate blood flow and causing symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or dizziness.
- Severe Valve Regurgitation: The valve leaks significantly, allowing blood to flow backward, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, swelling in the legs, or heart failure.
- Degenerative Valve Disease: The valve has deteriorated over time and no longer works properly, causing major symptoms and affecting heart function.
- Failed Valve Repairs: Previous repair attempts have not resolved the issue, and symptoms persist or worsen.
- Congenital Valve Defects: Severe valve issues present from birth that cannot be fixed with repair alone.
This surgery is generally considered when symptoms are severe, significantly impact daily life, and other treatments or medications are not effective.
What Are the Possible Treatments at Sudha Hospital Kota ?
At Sudha Hospital, the treatments for heart valve issues include:
Medications: To manage symptoms and prevent complications, such as:
- Diuretics: To reduce fluid buildup.
- Beta-Blockers: To slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure.
- Anticoagulants: To prevent blood clots.
- ACE Inhibitors: To relax blood vessels and ease the heart’s workload.
Valve Repair: Surgical procedures to fix damaged valves, including:
- Annuloplasty: Repairing the valve’s supporting ring.
- Leaflet Repair: Correcting or reshaping the valve’s leaflets.
Heart Valve Replacement: Replacing a damaged valve with a new one:
- Mechanical Valve: Made from durable materials, requires lifelong blood thinners.
- Biological Valve: Made from animal or human tissue, often does not need long-term blood thinners but may need replacement after several years.
Balloon Valvuloplasty: A minimally invasive procedure where a balloon is inflated inside a narrowed valve to improve blood flow, suitable for certain patients as a temporary measure.
Lifestyle Changes: Recommendations on diet, exercise, and other habits to improve heart health and manage symptoms.
The specific treatment approach depends on the severity of the valve issue, overall health, and individual patient needs.
Why Choose Sudha Hospital, Kota for Heart Valve Replacement Surgery?
Experienced Medical Team: Sudha Hospital boasts a skilled team of heart specialists and surgeons with extensive experience in performing heart valve replacement surgeries.
Advanced Technology: The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, including advanced surgical techniques and imaging tools.
Comprehensive Care: Sudha Hospital provides a range of services, including pre-surgery consultations, surgical procedures, and post-surgery care, ensuring a holistic approach to patient management.
Personalized Treatment Plans: Each patient receives a tailored treatment plan based on their specific condition and needs, enhancing the effectiveness of the surgery.
High Success Rates: The hospital has a track record of successful outcomes in heart valve replacement surgeries, contributing to improved patient satisfaction and recovery.
Patient-Centric Approach: Emphasis on compassionate care, with a focus on addressing patient concerns and ensuring a supportive environment throughout the treatment process.
Affordability: Competitive pricing and transparent billing practices make high-quality care more accessible without compromising on standards.
Post-Surgery Support: Comprehensive follow-up care and rehabilitation services are provided to ensure a smooth recovery and long-term success.
Choosing Sudha Hospital means opting for a facility that combines expertise, technology, and compassionate care to achieve the best possible outcomes for heart valve replacement surgery.