Aortic / Mitral Valve Replacement (Including Tissue Valve)

Mitral valve replacement is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a damaged or diseased mitral valve and replacing it with a new valve. The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle of the heart and is responsible for regulating blood flow from the lungs to the rest of the body. When the valve is not functioning properly, it can lead to a range of heart conditions.

Who Needs Mitral Valve Replacement

Individuals who have a damaged or diseased mitral valve may require mitral valve replacement surgery.

When to See a Specialist

If you are experiencing any symptoms of mitral valve disease, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, or irregular heartbeat, it is important to see a specialist. A cardiologist can perform an examination and diagnostic tests to determine if mitral valve replacement surgery is necessary.

Procedure

The mitral valve replacement surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes several hours to complete. The procedure generally involves the following steps:

• The surgeon will make an incision in the chest to access the heart
• The heart is temporarily stopped, and a heart-lung machine takes over the circulation of blood
• The surgeon will remove the damaged or diseased mitral valve
• The new valve is carefully sewn into place
• The heart is restarted, and the patient is weaned off the heart-lung machine
• The incision is closed, and the patient is moved to the recovery room

Road To Recovery

After the surgery, the patient will be closely monitored in the hospital for several days. Recovery time can vary depending on the patient’s age, overall health, and the severity of the condition. Patients will typically need to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks and may require cardiac rehabilitation to help rebuild strength and endurance.

Risk Management

As with any surgery, mitral valve replacement carries some risks, including bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. The surgeon will discuss these risks with the patient before the procedure and take steps to minimize them.

Benefits of Mitral Valve Replacement

Mitral valve replacement surgery can provide numerous benefits, including:

• Improved quality of life
• Relief from symptoms
• Improved heart function
• Reduced risk of complications

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does mitral valve replacement surgery take?

The surgery typically takes several hours to complete

2. What is the recovery time after mitral valve replacement surgery?

Recovery time can vary depending on the patient’s age, overall health, and the severity of the condition. Patients will typically need to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks and may require cardiac rehabilitation to help rebuild strength and endurance.

3. What are the risks of mitral valve replacement surgery?

As with any surgery, mitral valve replacement carries some risks, including bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. The surgeon will discuss these risks with the patient before the procedure and take steps to minimize them.

4. How long does a mitral valve replacement last?

The lifespan of a mitral valve replacement can vary depending on the type of valve used and the patient’s overall health.