Heart Valve Replacement

Heart Valve Replacement surgery is performed when one or more of the heart's valves are damaged or diseased and cannot function properly. The damaged valve is removed and replaced with either a mechanical valve (long-lasting, requires blood thinners) or a biological valve (from tissue, no long-term blood thinners needed).

Heart Valve Replacement may be recommended when conservative treatments have not been effective. Common reasons include: valve disease, murmur, fatigue, irregular heartbeat. Your doctor will evaluate your specific condition through physical examination and diagnostic tests to determine if this surgery is the right option for you.

The surgery can be performed via open-heart surgery or minimally invasive techniques (like TAVR for aortic valves). The surgeon accesses the heart, removes the faulty valve, and sutures the new valve into place. The heart function is then assessed before closing.

Before Heart Valve Replacement: 1) Complete all required pre-operative tests and evaluations, 2) Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements, 3) Follow fasting instructions (typically no food/drink after midnight before surgery), 4) Arrange for transportation and post-operative care at home, 5) Prepare your home for recovery with necessary supplies.

As with any surgical procedure, Heart Valve Replacement carries potential risks including bleeding, infection, adverse reaction to anesthesia, blood clots, and procedure-specific complications. Your surgeon will discuss these risks in detail and take all necessary precautions to minimize them.