What is the Heart Valve Replacement, Symptoms and Process?

Our heart consists of four valves one for every chamber of the heart. The four valves include the tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral and the aortic valves. The major function of them is to keep the blood flowing through the heart in the right direction. They open up enough so that blood can flow through. They then close, keeping blood from flowing backward. Broadly there are two types of malfunctions that can be found in people here one is regurgitation and the stenosis.

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Regurgitation is the condition wherein the valve does not close completely due to which the blood flows backward instead of flowing forward through it.

Stenosis is another condition due to which the valves become narrowed and are not able to allow the flow of blood out of the ventricle or atria. Due to this the heart of the person is forced to pump blood with increased force in order to move blood through the stiff (stenotic) valve(s).

What are the symptoms of heart valve damage?

Some of the common indications of heart valve damage include the following-

  • Dizziness
  • Chest pain
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Palpitations
  • Swelling of feet, ankles, or abdomen.
  • Speedy weight gain due to fluid retention

Surgery process

In order to treat the heart diseases usually, the open-heart surgery is performed. The procedure of heart valve replacement surgery is as follows-

  • The patient will be given general anesthesia before the beginning of the surgery.
  • A large surgical cut will be made in the patient’s breastbone to reach the heart and aorta. Further, the patient will be connected to a heart-lung bypass machine to perform the function of the heart. Thus the oxygen is provided and the carbon dioxide is removed from this machine only.

After stopping the heart and placing the machinery the doctor will remove the diseased valve and put in the artificial valve, in the case of a valve replacement. While for the valve repairing the procedure is done will depend on the type of valve problem the patient is suffering from.

After the above procedure is complete the doctor will shock heart with small paddles to restart the heartbeat.

Further, the machine will be removed.

As soon as the person’s heart beats again the doctor will keep a close watch on the working of the heart and valves make sure that there are no leaks from the surgery.

Further, the sternum will be rejoined by the doctor by sewing it together with small wires.
To drain out the blood and extra fluids from around the head the tubes will be put into patient’s chest.

Lastly, the doctor will sew the skin over the sternum back together and close the incision with sutures or surgical staples.

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Conclusion

Heart valve replacement surgery is a very successful treatment which that is appropriately reflected by a recent which states that around 94% of heart valve surgeries are successful.

From where can I get best heart valve replacement surgery?

Now you can find the best heart valve replacement hospital in India.