What is Valve
Replacement Surgery?
Valve Replacement Surgery is done when one of the valves in the heart
does not function properly and when the valve shows failure in closing
and opening. It can be due to many reasons like congenital abnormalities
or stenosis which
refers to hardening of arteries. This surgery involves replacement or
repair of the valves which cause damage. The chest is made open during
the surgical procedure in order to make the heart and lung available to
the surgeon.
Then heart
is stopped and the blood of patient is made to circulate through a heart
lung machine until the surgical procedure is done with the valve. After
that the heart is made to work again normally.
Recovery
from Valve Replacement Surgery
After the surgery, the hospital nurse in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) will
continuously check patient’s temperature, heartbeat, blood pressure
etc. The monitoring equipments attached to the patient will lead to an
uncomfortable feeling but the nurses will help the patient to stay comfortable
as far as possible. Family and friends are mostly allowed to visit the
patient. After 1 to 3 days, the patient will be shifted from ICU to regular
room. The patient has to stay in the hospital for at least 3 to 7 days.
After getting discharged, the patient should take rest at home for at
least 4 to 6 weeks.
Activities
during Recovery from Valve Replacement Surgery
After the surgery the following activities have to be done by the patient
for about six to eight weeks:
• The patient is permitted to do slight house hold works but the
patient should not continuously stand in one place for more than 15 minutes.
• Patient should not lift objects weighing more than 20 pounds. Even
pushing and pulling of heavy materials are harmful to the patient.
• If the Doctor permits, the patient can climb the stairs. If the
patient is tired then he must take rest in between.
• Daily walking and good sleep is essential for the patient.
• Regular checkup has to be done with the doctor.
• The patient has to do Exercises and Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
recommended by Doctor.
Life after Recovery from Valve Replacement Surgery
In most of the cases, the operation is successful but in some cases another
surgery is needed. In the case of biological valve, it should be replaced
in 12 to 15 years. There are also chances for a mechanical valve to fail.
If there are any symptoms of valve failure, an urgent check up is needed.
A blood
thinning medicine is needed for the patients with mechanical valve for
their rest of the life and the patient should also have a medical alert
bracelet. If the patient is undergoing any other dental or surgical procedure,
an antibiotic should be taken before procedure since bacteria can be entered
easily into the blood stream while performing these procedures.
