Heart Valve Repair Treatment

It is a surgical activity which aims to correct any defects or diseases affecting the valves. The mitral, tricuspid, pulmonary, and aortic valves are the four valves of the human heart. This disease happens when one of these valves is not working properly. The flow of blood in the proper manner through the heart is the main working of the heart valves. Each of these valves has flaps, which are known as leaflets or cusps. These flaps open and close with every heartbeat and allow blood flow in and out of the chambers.

In this process, a surgeon replaces the damaged or diseased valves with the help of biological or mechanical valves. Both of these replacements are biocompatible. Open-heart or minimally invasive heart surgeries are the main methods to do this. A doctor’s main goal is to circulate blood flow through the heart, alleviate symptoms, and improve quality of life.

Diseases of Heart Valve 

Such diseases are of two types:

• Stenosis is the initial type, involving the narrowing of the valve in the human heart.
• In the other form, leakage in the structure of the cardiac valve allows blood to flow backward, and this process is called regurgitation.

Why is it Required?

Heart structure repair or replacement surgery is done to rectify the problems caused by various diseases of heart valves.

If patients heart valve becomes damaged or diseased, they may have the following symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Problem in breathing
• Swelling in feet or ankles
• Rapid changes in body weight
• Palpitations

Benefits of Heart Valve Repair

The actual advantages of this surgery are mentioned below:

• Risk of infection is low.
• The requirement of anticoagulant medication is low.

The benefits of minimally invasive operation include:

• Less trauma and bleeding.
• A decreased risk of infection.
• A reduced length of hospitalization.
• A quicker recuperation.
• Smaller wounds and better cosmesis. 

Types of HVR

• Annuloplasty – It is done to reshape, reinforce, or tighten the ring around a damaged or diseased heart valve.
• Valvuloplasty – In this treatment, repairing a heart chamber that has a narrowed opening. This process may improve blood flow through the heart valve.

Diagnose of Valve Repair 

Important and necessary tests before the surgery. That are listed below:

• Chest X-ray
• Blood tests
• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram 
• CT scan
• Cardiac catheterization

Treatment Options for Repairing the Heart Valve

• Balloon Valvuloplasty: A doctor can improve the constructive process with the help of an inflated balloon in the valve. Then there is no need of replacing the valve.
• Open-heart surgery: A small slit or cut of six to eight inches through the patient’s chest. This process may require a duration of two to five hours. Repairs or minimally invasive activity may take less time.
• Minimally invasive heart valve operation: A minor cut of three to four inches on the human body. It includes endoscopic or keyhole surgery, also called port access, thoracoscopic or video-assisted surgery, and robotic-assisted surgery.
• Transcatheter: The surgeon will put a catheter into the aorta, like a femoral artery in the groin. And do the work without cutting the chest.

During HVR Process

•  IV is given in the arm or hand because the patient can sleep deeply during the operation.
• For surgery, a small incision is done in the chest.
• Setup of a machine for lungs and heart.
• Repair or replacement of heart.
• Restart the patient’s heart.
• At last, close the chest.

Sometimes surgeons recommend repairing the heart valve if possible. Because this activity saves the heart valve. It also avoids the condition of a replacement heart valve. The functions of the heart can be saved. During this process, a surgeon might:

• Patch holes in a valve.
• Flaps of the valve can be reconstructed.
• Remove excess tissue from the valves so that the flaps can close tightly.
• Replace or remove pieces of faulty tissue.
• Separate valve flaps that have fused.
• Tighten or reinforce the ring around the valve, called the annulus.

 After the Procedure

• Care team will track the condition and watch for signs of infection.
• Blood pressure, breathing and heart rate will be monitored by the team.
• Try to manage any pain after surgery.

What are the Risks of Repairing the Valve?

Cardiac valve surgery risk are:

• Bleeding
• Stroke
• Death
• Heart attack
• Pneumonia
• Infection
• Problem in replaced valve
• Arrhythmia
• Pancreatitis
• Blood clots

Precautions Need to Take care while Recovery Period

• Take care of incisions from any infection.
• Recommended medication should be taken on time.
• A healthy diet should be taken.
• Exercise regularly.
• Take bed rest.
• Try to avoid stress.
• Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Walk regularly.