SURGICAL HEART VALVE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE
In most cases, heart valve replacement is an open-heart operation. This means the surgeon opens the chest and heart to remove the damaged valve. In some cases, the valve can be replaced through a small incision near the breastbone (sternum) or under the right chest muscle. This is called minimally invasive surgery.
To help prepare for the procedure, your doctor may suggest:
- Talking with different members of the surgical team, such as the anesthesiologist, surgeon, cardiologist, respiratory therapist, and nurses
- Discussing the details of the operation with family members
- Visiting the intensive care unit (ICU) where the patient may be sent for postoperative recovery
DURING THE SURGICAL HEART VALVE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE
During the procedure, the surgeon opens the chest to get to the heart and the diseased valve. The procedure varies from patient to patient, lasting a minimum of two hours and often longer. During this time, the patient is under general anaesthesia.
The surgeon will remove any tissue and calcium deposits that are interfering with the normal function of the valve. The damaged valve may be completely removed. Then, the new valve will be sewn into
PROCEDURAL OVERVIEW OF A TYPICAL OPEN-HEART SURGERY
- General anaesthesia will be administered so that the patient remains asleep and pain-free during the procedure.
- After preparation, an incision to access the heart is made.
- The patient will be connected to a heart-lung machine to isolate the heart. The heart is stopped.
- The old valve is removed.
- A new valve is placed.
- The patient's newly replaced heart valve will begin working. This happens before weaned from CPB. The doctor will conduct a test to confirm the valve is working properly.
- The patient is then weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass.
- All incisions are closed.
The patient is then transferred to ICU and kept on a ventilator until they can fully
AFTER THE SURGICAL HEART VALVE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE
When the heart valve has been replaced and the surgery is completed, the heart will be beating on its own and all incisions will be sewn or stapled closed.
Following the surgery, the patient will spend some time in the ICU, where they will be closely monitored to make sure there are no complications. Family and friends will usually be able to visit while the patient is in the ICU.
RECOVERY from SURGICAL HEART VALVE REPLACEMENT
In the ICU, the staff will keep a close watch on the heart rate, temperature, blood pressure, and other vital body signs. The patient may feel a little uncomfortable because of all the monitoring equipment attached to them. The nurses will try to keep them as comfortable as possible. Friends and family are usually welcome to visit them.
When intensive care monitoring is no longer needed, the patient will be moved to a regular hospital room. Typically, they may be in the hospital for three to 10 days, depending on how quickly they recover.
CHECKUPS AND MONITORING
After the patient is released from the hospital, they will have to see their doctor for follow-up visits. During these visits, the doctor may order lab tests, such as an echocardiogram, an x-ray, or an electrocardiogram, to make sure they are healing properly.
If the patient is taking anticoagulants, they need to have regular blood tests to monitor dosage. They will usually go periodically to a hospital, doctor's office, or laboratory to have these tests done.
TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS
Make sure the patient takes his or her medications as prescribed by the doctor. Don't stop administering medications or skip a dose unless the doctor tells you to do so.
Some valve patients retain water after surgery. Patients may gain weight even though they're not overeating. Tell the doctor if the patient experiences dramatic weight gain that can't be explained.