Heart valve replacement is a surgical procedure used to treat heart valve diseases. Heart valve diseases are congenital conditions that are often diagnosed at an early age in children. The heart has four chambers. The upper and lower chambers are commonly referred to as the atria and ventricles and while the lateral classification of the heart, the right and left sides are not the only structures that comprise the heart. Between these chambers, valves are present. The purpose of these heart valves is to provide a one-way stream of blood inside the heart. One-way flow of blood is very important for maintaining normal heart function. Valves provide a passage for blood before each chamber opens. Conversely, it prevents blood from flowing backwards by closing its flap after the flow of blood. When heart valve function is reduced due to heart valve disease, the function of the heart is also disrupted and this can put your life at risk.
Why is it done?
Heart valve replacement surgery is performed to treat the heart valve problems such as Stenosis which means narrowing and regurgitation of a valve which refers to leakage in a valve that allows blood to flow backwards. Your cardiologist may recommend a heart valve replacement in Amritsar if you have heart valve problems that are affecting your heart’s ability to pump blood and other treatments are not working. Heart valve disease can also lead to death, so heart valve replacement may be an option for you if the problem persists.
Procedure
Heart valve replacement is an open heart surgery performed by a cardiovascular surgeon in which the surgeon opens the patient’s chest and heart so that the diseased portion or damaged valve is removed or replaced with a prosthesis. In most cases, heart valve replacement in Amritsar is an open-heart operation. The damaged part is replaced with a new prosthetic valve and then sewn into place. However, there are many cases in which the valve is replaced without opening the chest, which is seen as a minimally invasive surgery. In this case, the damaged valve is replaced through a small incision near or below the breastbone.
Before The Procedure
Before the procedure, the patient is admitted in the hospital and All the required tests and imaging procedures are performed properly. It all depends on how your body reacts to the external factors and the related reasons the process will take time to complete and recover. It is better to discuss the best surgeon for heart valve replacement before the operation.
During The Procedure
During surgery, the surgeon opens your heart to access the problematic or diseased valve. During that time you will be given anesthesia which will make you sleepy and there will be no pain during the operation. In minimally invasive surgery, a small incision is made in the breastbone to access the heart valve, called the sternum. During the procedure, the heart will stop responding and will stop beating temporarily. And during this time you will be placed on a heart-lung machine which will artificially control the flow of blood throughout the body.
There are also a variety of less invasive techniques that may be a better option for you. With advanced systems and technologies, more cardiac surgeons are using minimally invasive procedures to treat or replace heart valves. These minimally invasive techniques will improve your recovery rate with less pain and scarring. All this will be decided by the surgeon and your report.
Heart valve replacement surgery is also done through a mini-incision that is made in the breastbone to access the heart valves. It rests under the right pectoral muscle.
After The Procedure
After the procedure is complete, your heart will start beating normally after all the incisions are sutured or the staples are closed. After surgery, you will be transferred from the operation theatre to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) so that the whereabouts of your body and heart can be closely monitored.
Result
After a successful heart valve replacement in Amritsar, you may feel relief from unusual chest pain and other symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness and nausea. You may be asked to attend regular check-ups and get regular exercise. Your doctor may also order a number of tests to monitor the condition of your heart.