An overview of Heart valve surgery
Heart valve surgery is a procedure to treat heart valve disease, which involves at least one of the four heart valves not working properly. In heart valve surgery, a surgeon repairs or replaces the damaged or diseased heart valve or valves. Many surgical approaches can be used, including open-heart surgery or minimally invasive heart surgery.
What is Heart valve surgery used for?
Heart valve surgery is used to treat heart valve disease, which involves at least one of the four heart valves not working properly. The four heart valves are the mitral valve, tricuspid valve, pulmonary valve, and aortic valve. In heart valve surgery, a surgeon repairs or replaces the damaged or diseased heart valve or valves. The surgery may involve open-heart surgery or minimally invasive heart surgery. Heart valve repair is often recommended when possible, as it saves the heart valve and may preserve heart function. The type of heart valve surgery needed depends on factors such as age, health, and the type and severity of heart valve disease.
How to prepare for Heart valve surgery?
Before heart valve surgery, patients need to prepare by discussing their medical history, allergies, and medications with their doctor. They may need to stop eating and drinking the night before the surgery and should bring a list of their medications, eyeglasses, hearing aids, or dentures to the hospital. Patients should also plan to attend regular follow-up appointments with their doctor after the surgery and may need to make healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, to keep their heart working well. Patients should also be aware of possible risks involved in the surgery, including bleeding, infection, and irregular heart rhythm.
How are Heart valve surgery results reported?
After heart valve surgery, your doctor will report the results and inform you when you can return to your regular activities. They will also provide instructions for your recovery, such as managing pain, caring for incisions, and monitoring for signs of infection. The specific results and guidelines will depend on your individual condition and the type of surgery performed.
Understanding the report
Heart valve surgery results are interpreted based on the patient's recovery, their ability to return to daily activities, and the effectiveness of the surgery in treating the heart valve disease. After the surgery, the medical team closely monitors the patient for signs of infection, manages their pain, and helps them gradually increase their activity level. The team will also assess the patient's blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate to ensure proper functioning. The doctor will determine when the patient can resume normal activities based on their recovery progress and overall health. If the surgery is successful, the patient should experience improved heart function and reduced symptoms associated with heart valve disease. Regular follow-up appointments and tests are necessary to evaluate and monitor the patient's condition after the surgery.