DVR-Double Valve Replacement (Including Tissue Valve)

Who Needs Double Valve Replacement:

Individuals who have severe damage or disease affecting both the mitral and aortic valves may require double valve replacement surgery.

When to See a Specialist

If you are experiencing any symptoms of heart 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 double valve replacement surgery is necessary.

Procedure

The double 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 and aortic valves
• The new valves are 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, double 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 Double Valve Replacement

Double 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 double valve replacement surgery take?

The surgery typically takes several hours to complete.

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

As with any surgery, double 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 do the replacement valves last?

The lifespan of replacement valves can vary depending on the type of valve used and the patient’s overall health. In general, mechanical valves tend to last longer than biological valves.