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Heart Valve Repair & Replacement Treatment in Kolkata

Heart Valve Repair & Replacement

Heart Valve Repair & Replacement Treatment in Kolkata

Implanting a mechanical or biological heart valve in place of a failing one is known as heart valve replacement surgery. A heart's ability to pump blood efficiently might be compromised by malfunctioning valves, impacting how oxygen is distributed throughout the body. Blood circulation becomes impaired when valves do not open and close correctly, which makes it difficult for blood to flow normally from the heart to the lungs and throughout the body. Repair or replacement is usually the first line of treatment; nevertheless, valve replacement becomes necessary to restore appropriate heart function and circulation if these alternatives fail. 

Specialised heart valve replacement and repair services are offered by Manipal Hospitals, with both minimally invasive and surgical methods available. Our knowledgeable staff for heart valve replacement in Kolkata uses cutting-edge technologies and a multidisciplinary approach to ensure the best results. From diagnosis to rehabilitation, patients get comprehensive care with an emphasis on improving heart function and quality of life. 

 

FAQ's

When valve repair is not possible, heart valve replacement becomes necessary; this is primarily related to aortic valve disease, such as aortic stenosis. Further indications include regurgitation in the aortic, mitral, or tricuspid valves, mitral valve prolapse, and pulmonary, mitral, or tricuspid valve stenosis. To ensure the best possible cardiac function and circulation, valve replacement is also required for congenital heart valve abnormalities that exist from birth.
 

Heart valve replacement surgery efficiently treats symptoms and extends life expectancy for valve-related issues. It is a long-term solution less invasive methods have additional benefits, such as a shorter length of stay in the hospital, a quicker recovery, and a lower risk of infection after surgery. It improves patient experiences and makes the transition to greater health and well-being easier.
 

Heart valve replacement surgery has some risks that patients should be aware of. These include the risk of bleeding, infection, heart attack, heart failure, and irregular heart rhythms. Even though these issues are not common, it is nonetheless important for patients to fully discuss these risks with their healthcare provider and follow post-operative care instructions to reduce the possibility of these negative consequences.
 

Your doctor might do an Electrocardiogram (EKG) and chest X-ray before your surgery. You must avoid eating or drinking anything the night before or the day of the procedure. Before surgery, follow your provider's advice for starting or stopping your medication. For the hospital visit, bring comfortable clothes and slip-on shoes. A friend or relative who is going with you can handle your possessions while the treatment is being done. Your healthcare professional will carefully clean and shave the incision site in preparation for the procedure.
 

During heart valve replacement surgery, the surgeon removes a damaged or diseased heart valve and replaces it with a new one. The procedure can be performed using traditional open-heart surgery or minimally invasive techniques.
Open-Heart Valve Replacement Surgery

  • You will receive general anaesthesia, ensuring you are asleep and pain-free during the procedure. The surgical team will monitor your vital signs throughout the surgery.
  • The surgeon makes a large incision down the centre of your chest.
  • The breastbone (sternum) is carefully separated to provide access to the heart.
  • You are connected to a heart-lung machine, which takes over the function of your heart and lungs during the surgery. The heart is temporarily stopped to allow the surgeon to work on it.
  • The surgeon removes the diseased or damaged heart valve.
  • The new valve, either mechanical or biological (from animal tissue or a human donor), is positioned and secured in place.
  • The heart-lung machine is gradually withdrawn, and the heart is restarted.
  • The surgeon ensures that the new valve is functioning correctly and that blood flow is restored.
  • The breastbone is wired back together. The chest incision is closed with sutures or staples.

Minimally Invasive Valve Replacement Surgery

  • You will receive general anaesthesia to keep you asleep and pain-free during the procedure. The surgical team will monitor your vital signs throughout the surgery.
  • The surgeon makes several small incisions in your chest. Special instruments and a camera are inserted through these incisions to perform the surgery.
  • In some cases, you may still be connected to a heart-lung machine, but this is less common than in open-heart surgery.
  • The surgeon removes the diseased or damaged heart valve using special instruments.
  • The new valve, either mechanical or biological, is positioned and secured in place using the instruments inserted through the small incisions.
  • The surgeon verifies that the new valve is functioning correctly and that blood flow is restored.
  • The small incisions are closed with sutures.
     

After heart valve replacement, recovery usually takes one to two months, while recovery from less invasive surgeries may be quicker. There may be significant weariness during the first three weeks, which calls for plenty of rest and a gradual return to activity. For optimal safety, driving should be avoided for a few weeks following the procedure. Lifting should be limited for the first six to eight weeks; people should not lift more than ten pounds to avoid straining the healing incision and to encourage the best possible recovery.
 

A large trial with almost 8,000 participants found that Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) had a remarkable 92% success rate. This success rate highlights the effectiveness and dependability of TAVR as a therapy option for people with aortic valve disease, which helps many patients achieve better results and a higher quality of life.
 

Dietary changes are frequently suggested after heart valve replacement to maintain heart health and medication efficacy. Limiting high-sodium foods to minimise fluid retention, staying away from highly spicy foods to reduce digestive pain, and keeping an eye on vitamin K consumption to control clotting factors are some of the recommendations. To reduce inflammation and promote cardiovascular health, it's also suggested to cut back on fried foods, trans fats, excess sugar, and refined carbohydrates. 
 

Exercise is essential for promoting general health and hastening the healing process following heart valve replacement. It raises fitness levels, promotes relaxation, and helps control blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol. Start with short, easy walks and gradually increase the length and speed. Walking is a great type of exercise since it's flexible in terms of frequency and length; even quick daily walks can help with recovery and long-term health.
 

Following heart valve surgery, which can take up to two hours, depending on the level of repair or replacement required, patients awaken in the intensive care unit (ICU) or recovery room. During the first post-operative phase, thorough monitoring of vital signs and prompt medical attention are guaranteed. 
Depending on each patient's level of recovery and stability, the period of stay in the intensive care unit or recovery room varies before moving on to a regular hospital room for ongoing treatment.