Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery In India

Mitral Valve Replacement Surgery In India

Our hearts have a complicated structure, comprising 4 valves for proper blood circulation throughout your body. The valve lying between the left ventricle and left atrium is the mitral valve. This valve plays an important role in moving the blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle. However, the mitral valve can start malfunctioning, and so you need mitral valve replacement surgery in India. You must not delay the surgery, as this condition will result in heart failure.

Mitral valves used for the replacement surgery

These valves can be of 2 types

• Biological valves- These valves are designed with bio-prosthetic and composite materials derived from cow tissues. They can last for 15 to 20 years. After this period, you will need to undergo another mitral valve replacement surgery in India. But, patients who have mechanical valves in their bodies may need to take blood thinning drugs.
• Mechanical valves- They are artificial valves made of Carbon, Titanium, and Teflon. One of the best facts is that they are long-lasting solutions and do not wear away easily. But, after implanting the valves, your doctor will prescribe some medications.

Types of mitral valve disorders

• Mitral valve regurgitation.The mitral valve flaps (leaflets) may not close tightly, causing blood to leak backward.
• Mitral valve stenosis.The mitral valve has flaps that can become stiff and thick. Moreover, they may also get fused together, and ultimately, the valve opening will become narrow.The amount of blood flowing to your left ventriclefrom the atrium becomes low.

Cardiologists start treatments based on the severity of the mitral valve disorder. They will replace or repair the valve to provide you with long-term results. In case of mild mitral valve disease, your cardiologist will ask you to visit the clinic for regular checkups. You will need to take medications to alleviate symptoms. You may also need valve replacement surgery, although you have no symptoms. In a few cases, repairing the valve is the solution. A successful surgery preserves the function of your heart. Surgeons repair the mitral valve to prevent complications resulting from valve replacement surgery in India. Thus, it will minimize the risk of blood clots because of your valve failure.

What are potential factors causing mitral valve diseases?

Several things can increase the risk of mitral valve disease, including:

• Some types of heart infections
• Old age
• Some drugs
• Heart attack
• Any other heart issues
• Congenital defects in the heart
• Radiation to your chest

Symptoms of mitral valve problems

In some cases, mitral valve diseases have no prominent symptoms. Still, the most common signs are-

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat
• Heart murmur
• Dizziness
• Palpitations
• Chest pain
• Edema of the abdomen, ankles, and feet
• Weight gain because of high fluid retention

Mitral valve disordermayresult inseveral complications because your cardiac muscles can become weaker, and that is why your heart will work harder. This condition will cause several other problems.

• Rapid and irregular heart rate
• High blood pressure in the blood vessels in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension)
• Blood clots
• Congestive heart failure
• Stroke

Preparing yourself for the mitral valve replacement surgery in India

Your surgeon will first decide on the type of valve to be implemented. You can consult with your cardiologists to know how you will get ready for the surgery. Still, you can check for some common tips.

• Do not drink and eat any food after midnight before the day of your surgery.
• Do not smoke a cigarette before your surgery.
• Avoid taking other medications before your surgical treatment.

Physicians’ instructions are important for those who take blood thinners like aspirin.

Some tests are important for knowing your health condition

• Blood tests
• Electrocardiogram
• Echocardiogram
• Chest X-ray
• Coronary angiogram

You will be given some medicines before an hour of your heart operation.

Process of valve replacement surgery-

The major steps are-

• A cardiologist will make you fall asleep by giving anesthesia. It will prevent you from feeling pain during the surgery.
• It may take a number of hours to do the operation.
• Your surgeon will create an incision to access the heart and separate the breastbone.
• A special heart-lung machine is implanted to work as your lungs and heart. Your surgeon’s team will replace your damaged mitral heart valve with a new one. The machine is removed after this replacement.

Mitral valve replacement surgery- What will happen after the procedure?

After undergoing the surgical process, you will be moved to the ICU unit. Some patients have noticed that their symptoms have gone away instantly after the operation. The surgical team will check your heart rate regularly and connect your body to different machines. The nurse may put a tube into your throat for breathing. It can cause slight discomfort. But, the nurse will remove this tube in a day. The target part is covered with bandages. You may feel a bit of pain. You can walk with aid after 2 days. It is good to practice breathing therapy for the fluid removal from your lungs.

Conclusion

Mitral valve replacement surgery in India is a common treatment to cure valve disorder. With successful surgery, you will find a better quality of life. Still, you can visit your cardiologist’s clinic for regular heart checkups. However, you must eat a healthy diet and quit smoking. It is also important to manage stress and do physical workouts.