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| SURGERIES OF THE HEART |
Mitral Valve Replacement
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When the mitral valve in the heart is incompetent or tight, it may need to be replaced.Hence this procedure is called as Mitral Valve Replacement.
REASONS FOR THE PROCEDURE
Fully-functioning, competent heart valves permit free, one-way flow of blood. Diseased valves either leak, causing back flow, or narrow, causing restricted flow. In either case the condition can be life threatening. Sometimes the valve can be repaired. At other times it must be replaced surgically. Rheumatic fever , infections, and congenital defects are the most common diseases of the mitral valve.
RISK FACTORS FOR COMPLICATIONS DURING THE PROCEDURE
The demands of open heart surgery are severe. The better the general health, the less likely the patient will experience a complication. Diabetes , heart disease, blood clotting disorders, cancer—these and many more are risk factors that must be evaluated before the patient undergoes this procedure.
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
Not all mitral valves can be repaired; only half to three-quarters of them. Hence the patient will be thoroughly evaluated. The doctor will evaluate both general health and the condition of the heart and circulation. Several heart tests including an electrocardiogram (EKG)and an echocardiogram (using ultrasound)are also done.
Also, in the days leading up to the procedure:
* The patient should not eat or drink anything starting the night before the procedure
PROCEDURE
The standard open procedure requires an incision be made the length of the breast bone. The breast bone will be split lengthwise to expose the heart. The patient will be put on a heart-lung machine so that the heart can stop during the procedure.
The heart will be opened, and a substitute valve will be sewn into place. This valve may be mechanical (metal and plastic), such as a St. Jude valve, or made of tissue. Tissue valves most commonly come from a pig (porcine valve) or a cow (bovine valve), but they may also be supplied by a human donor or even manufactured from their own tissues.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
The patient will remain in the hospital for several days so doctors can observe any complications, stabilize the heart function, and instruct the patient in home care and activities.
TIME TAKEN FOR THE PROCEDURE
Roughly 2-5 hours.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Every complication possible from major surgery can follow open heart surgery. Bleeding, infection, and drug reactions are the most common. Strokes and heart attacks also occur rarely.
POSTOPERATIVE CARE
If the patient has a mechanical valve, then he/she will need to take blood thinners for an extended period of time to prevent blood clots. The patient may also need to take antibiotics during dental and certain other procedures to prevent infection. The patient will be prescribed a carefully graded return to the usual and normal activities over 4-12 weeks and probably participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program.
Mechanical valves last a lifetime. Tissue valves last 7-14 years and then must be replaced.
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| Last Modified :
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 |
Compiled and edited by the Editorial team and
approved by Expert panel of h4heart.com
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