VALVULAR SURGICAL INTERVENTIONS OF THE MITRAL AND AORTIC VALVE

Valve replacement surgery is a treatment option for those with conditions affecting the aortic or mitral valve. When these valves don’t function properly, the blood flow to and from the heart may be disrupted. During surgical interventions of the mitral and aortic valve, Dr Scott may repair or replace the heart valves to restore the flow of blood through the heart.

Why would surgical interventions for mitral and aortic valves be needed?

When lifestyle changes and medication has failed to treat your condition, heart valve surgery may be needed. Depending on various health factors and the severity of your condition, you may be deemed a candidate for this surgery if you have a heart condition that is affecting the valves of the heart. Your cardiothoracic surgeon will be able to determine whether repair of the valve is possible, or if a valve replacement would be a better solution. Because Dr Scott has extensive experience in heart and thoracic surgery, you are in good hands when it comes to specialised surgeries such as these.

How is this procedure done?

Surgery will differ depending on whether the goal is to repair the valve or replace the valve.

Valve Repair

Under general anaesthesia, you will be connected to a heart-lung bypass machine which will take over the duties of the heart and lungs in supplying the body with oxygenated blood. Through open surgery, a large incision will be made in the chest to expose the heart, from which the surgery will be done.

Heart valve repair surgery may include the following:

  • Patching the holes in the valve
  • Reconnecting valve flaps (leaflets or cusps)
  • Removing excess valve tissue so that the leaflets or cusps can close tightly
  • Replacing cords that support the valve to repair the structural support
  • Separating valve flaps that may have fused
  • Reinforcement of the annulus, which is the ring around the valve

Once the valve has been replaced, he will then proceed to remove you off the heart-lung bypass machine, close the chest or smaller incisions with stitches and place a draining tube for recovery.

Valve Replacement

Under general anaesthesia, you will be connected to a heart-lung bypass machine which will take over the duties of the heart and lungs in supplying the body with oxygenated blood. Through open surgery, a large incision will be made in the chest to expose the heart, from which the surgery will be done.
To replace a heart valve, Dr Scott will remove the valve and replace it with a mechanical or biological tissue valve. Which of the two valves is deemed more appropriate for you, will be discussed with you prior to surgery.

Once the valve has been replaced, he will then proceed to remove you off the heart-lung bypass machine, close the chest or smaller incisions with stitches and place a draining tube for recovery.

What can I expect after surgery?

Waking up from surgery, you can expect a chest tube to be placed in your chest to drain any blood or fluid that may build up in the chest. You should have a catheter placed for urine for the next few days before you can get up and move around. You will be kept in the ICU for close observation of your heart, blood flow and fluid drainage for about 2 days. On a daily basis, you will receive oxygen therapy and be given compression stockings to wear on your legs as well. You will be moved from ICU to your hospital room where you will be advised to stay for a further 3 to 5 days before you may go home.

Dr Scott will advise you on how to care for your incisions and how to treat the symptoms after surgery. Symptoms of swelling, muscle pain in the upper back and shoulders, fatigue, sleeping and appetite problems, constipation and chest pain near the chest bone are all normal after repair or replacement surgery. You should, however, notice an immediate improvement in how you feel after having a heart valve repair or replacement.

It may take anything from 6-12 weeks for a full recovery, and Dr Scott will be able to tell you when you may begin physical activity. You will be instructed to walk regularly and slowly increase your activity, as well as how to do breathing exercises to aid recovery. Patients are usually able to return to work at 6 weeks post-operation depending on the physical demand of their type of work.