Heart Valve Surgery
Heart valve surgery and treatments are conducted to repair or replace a valve in the heart that is not operating properly because of valvular heart disease (also termed heart valve disease) (also called heart valve disease).
Open heart surgery involves entering the chest through the breastbone to perform heart valve surgery. It is a complex procedure that can take up to two hours to complete, and recuperation frequently lasts for several weeks. Some forms of valvular heart disease can be treated with newer, less invasive techniques.
Description
What is Heart Valve Surgery?
Heart valve surgery and treatments are conducted to repair or replace a valve in the heart that is not operating properly because of valvular heart disease (also termed heart valve disease) (also called heart valve disease).
Open heart surgery involves entering the chest through the breastbone to perform heart valve surgery. It is a complex procedure that can take up to two hours to complete, and recuperation frequently lasts for several weeks. Some forms of valvular heart disease can be treated with newer, less invasive techniques.
Why do I need Heart Valve Surgery?
A healthy heart has valves that direct blood flow through the heart and the body in a single direction. Blood flow and the complex system of blood vessels that transport oxygen throughout the body are impacted if a valve is not functioning properly.
Your doctor may keep track of your symptoms or prescribe medication if your valve issue is small. If your problem is more severe, surgery is typically needed to replace or repair the valve in order to prevent long-term harm to your heart and heart valve.
Why it’s done?
Heart valve surgery is done to treat heart valve disease. There are two basic types of heart valve problems:
- A narrowing of a valve (stenosis)
A leak in a valve that allows blood to flow backward (regurgitation)
You might need heart valve surgery if you have heart valve disease that is affecting your heart’s ability to pump blood.
If you don’t have signs or symptoms, or your condition is mild, your doctor might suggest regular monitoring of the heart valve disease. Lifestyle changes and medications might help manage symptoms.
Sometimes, doctors recommend heart valve surgery even for those who don’t have symptoms. If you need heart surgery for another condition, doctors might perform heart valve repair or replacement at the same time. Together, you and your doctor should discuss whether heart valve surgery is right for you and if minimally invasive heart surgery is an option.
