Heart Valve Replacement

Description heart valve replacement

This is surgery to replace damaged heart valves. The four heart valves, which open and tightly closed, allow blood to flow from one chamber of the heart in another. The valves allow blood flow through the heart in the large blood vessels. The valves operate so, that blood can flow only in one direction, when the heart contracts. Usually, replacement requires only one valve. But sometimes need to be replaced several valves. New heart valves can be:

• Mechanic (Metal and plastic), such as the St. Jude valve (Valve Hospital St.. Jude);
• Made of fabric, most pigs (porcine valve) or cow (Valve cattle), but they can also be taken from a human donor, or even made of the patient's own tissues.

Causes of heart valve replacement

The procedure is performed to restore the valve, that is not functioning properly due:

• Birth defects of the valve;
• Betrothed, rigid valve, which prevents the free flow of blood;
• Not tightly, flow valve, allowing the blood to flow in the opposite side of the heart;
• Infections of heart valves.

Possible complications of heart valve replacement

If you plan to replace a heart valve, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Infection;
• The formation of blood clots around the valve, which may cause a stroke, kidney disease or damage to the limbs;
• The new valve does not work properly;
• Bleeding;
• Problems, associated with anesthesia;
• Death.

Some factors, that may increase the risk of complications:

• Smoking;
• Pre-existing heart or lung disease;
• Advanced age;
• Recent or long-term illness;
• Stroke;
• Recent infection.

How is the replacement of a heart valve?

Preparation for the procedure

Dr. appoint the passage of some or all tests, eg:

• Echocardiogram – size, the shape and motion of the heart are studied using sound waves;
• Roentgen – used X-rays, to take a picture of structures inside the body;
• Electrocardiogram – test, which detects heart activity by measurement of electrical current through the heart muscle;
• Heart catheterization – into the heart through an artery (usually on the legs) catheter, to detect heart problems, and its blood supply. The procedure can also pinpoint the problematic valve.

In the run-up to the procedure:

• If you had to stop the medication before the procedure, ask your doctor, when you can use them to start again. Drugs, the reception of which you want to suspend, They include:
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, aspirin);
  • Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel or warfarin;
• Regularly care for your teeth;
• We need to organize a trip for the operation and back home from the hospital;
• Organize home care after surgery;
• The night before the operation can eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

Anesthesia

Used general anesthesia, which blocks any pain and support the patient during surgery in sleep.

Procedure heart valve replacement

The doctor cuts the skin and breastbone. Chest cavity is opened. The heart will be connected to the machine extracorporeal circulation (AIK). This device performs the function of the heart and lungs during surgery. Next, the doctor will stop the heart, then it cuts and removes the damaged valve. The new valve will be sewn into place old. The doctor will examine, To make sure, the valve opens and closes properly.

The incision is sutured, and the heart is restarted. When the heart begins to function normally, doctor will be able to disable the patient from cardiopulmonary bypass. The chest is closed, and sewn leather awake shvami.

Immediately after treatment

The state of health will be supported and closely monitored in the intensive care (ORIT) with the following devices:

• Heart Monitor;
• Snorkel (until the patient is able to breathe on their own);
• Drainage tube in the chest, to remove accumulated fluid from the breast bone;
• The catheter in an artery on the arm or leg, blood pressure;
• Tube through the nose into the stomach, to release the abdomen from accumulation of fluids and gases;
• Bladder catheter.

How long will the replacement of a heart valve?

3-5 hours (whichever, as valves must be replaced).

Heart Valve Replacement – Will it hurt?

You will have pain during recovery. The doctor will give pain medicine.

The average hospital stay

This procedure is performed in a hospital. Usually the duration of stay of 2-5 days. The first day is carried out in an intensive care unit. The doctor can extend the stay, If there are complications.

Care after heart valve replacement

Care in a hospital

During recovery, the hospital may be advised:

• Breathe deeply and cough 10-20 times each hour, to help the lungs and clear them;
• Walk with assistance. You can start walking through 2-3 day after surgery;
• Take blood thinners, to prevent the occurrence of blood clots around the valve. If the valve has been installed from the tissue, thinning is necessary to take a little time. If you have a mechanical valve, you have to take medication for the rest of life.

Home Care

When you return home, follow these steps:, to ensure the normal recovery:

• Slowly return to the daily diet;
• Work with a physical therapist;
• Ask the doctor, when it is safe to shower, bathe, or to expose the surgical site to water;
• Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

The incision in the chest will live through 4-6 weeks. After restoration, you can return to normal daily activities.

Contact your doctor after heart valve replacement

After returning home, you need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Redness, edema, increased pain, bleeding or discharge from the incision site;
• Nausea and / or vomiting, which do not disappear after taking the prescribed medicines, and persist for more than two days after discharge from the hospital;
• Pain and swelling, which does not pass after taking pain medication appointed;
• Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain;
• Coughing up blood;
• Cardiopalmus;
• Sudden headache or feeling of weakness;
• Problems with vision or speech;
• Numbness or weakness on one side of the body;
• Inability to urinate;
• Pain, burning, frequent urination or persistent bleeding in the urine;
• Pain and / or swelling of the legs, calves and feet.