Aortic Valve Replacement In India

Aortic valve problems can result in serious complications in your heart. Surgical treatment can restore your heart health, and you can resume your normal life. With the opening of the valve, blood flows into your aorta from the heart. The aortic valve then closes and prevents the blood flow in the wrong direction. Every heartbeat indicates that the blood-flowing cycle is normal. But, when there is an issue with this process, you will need surgery. In some cases, aorta valve replacement is the ultimate remedy for your heart disorder.

What are common problems of the aortic valve?

Some men and women have had aortic valve problems since their birth. Their valves may have wear and tear, and thus, they can suffer from other health issues like

The aortic valve replacement in India prevents symptoms like congestive heart issues, syncope, and angina. Those with severe aortic stenosis problems can undergo surgical treatment. However, it is essential to consult a certified cardiologist before undergoing surgery.

But, some patients do not have any symptoms of aortic stenosis. Symptoms can also turn up during the physical workout session. Moderate-level aortic valve stenosis also needs heart surgery for treatment. Your surgeon will focus on the valve problems.

You may also need stress echocardiography to know the issue with the ventricle.

What types of valves do surgeons choose for aortic valve replacement?

Tissue valves- Made from some animal tissues, these valves are needed for the replacement of original valves. Your surgeon may choose bovine tissues for this purpose. Porcine tissues are also a safe alternative. The tissue needs proper treatment to prevent calcium buildups.

Some surgeons also use pulmonary autografts and aortic homografts. The aortic valve, known as the aortic homograft, is restored from the donor’s heart. On the contrary, the surgical treatment will also be successful with pulmonary autograft.

The average lifespan of tissue valves is about 10 to 20 years. But, they deteriorate faster in younger patients. Due to scientific advancements, there have been some new ways to preserve tissues for a longer period. While some tissue valves are stented, others are stentless. The dimension ofstented valves can be 19 mm to 29 mm. However, stentless valves are also advantageous because they prevent the patient-prosthesis mismatch risk. They are best for managing smaller aortic roots. It may take much more time to implant these valves.

Made from titanium, carbon, and other synthetic materials, mechanical valves are highly resilient. They can last for almost 20 to 30 years. One demerit is that there is a high blood clotrisk.

That is why doctors will prescribe an anticoagulant drug to prevent further issues. Another demerit of mechanical valves is that you will feel disturbed as they create sound during their functioning.

They always focus on the patients’ lifestyle, age, and medical history to choose the right type of valves. Tissue valves can be a suitable choice for women who will become pregnant.Pregnancy increases their blood clot risks.A mechanical valve is intended for patients whose age is below 60 years.But, seniors above 65 years can also rely on mechanical valves.

Describing the surgery process

It takes 2 to 4 hours to do the surgery successfully. You will remain asleep during the process. The surgeon will make an opening in the chest. By opening the breastbone, he stops the heart while attaching a heart-lung machine. He then removes the defective valves to implant a new one. Your heart will resume its normal function.

There are some other ways to do the operation. The surgeon uses a thin tube running through an opening in the leg. The tube is useful for installing a new valve. You do not need to stay in the hospital for several days. The innovative process ensures minimal risk and faster recovery.

How to prepare for the surgery

Make sure that you are healthy on the day of surgery. You need to take some tests like urine tests, blood tests, and electrocardiograms. Inform your cardiologist about the supplements and drugs you take regularly. It is also important to tell him about any other health disorders. Smoking should be stopped 2 weeks before the operation.