Double Valve Replacement

Double valve replacement surgery is better known as heart valve replacement surgery. It is performed to treat the heart by replacing a damaged valve with a healthy one. The valve replacement keeps the heart safe and sound from further damage or infection.

The human heart consists of four valves: the mitral valve, the tricuspid valve, the pulmonic valve and the aortic valve. These valves direct blood from and to the body throughout the heart. A defect, disease, damage or infection of the heart leads to the malfunction of any of the four valves. The severe malfunction of a heart valve gets in the way of the blood flow. It also causes fainting spells, heart palpitation and difficulty breathing. These physical conditions worsen and may threat life with death if the damaged valve is not replaced timely.

How The Surgery Takes Place

The surgeons first of all, cut through and separate the ribs and breastbone. Then the patient is placed on a cardiopulmonary bypass machine. This machine will carry out the functions of the lungs and heart during the execution of the surgery. Then, the surgeon cuts open the heart to locate the position of the damaged valve. They loosen the valve from the connecting tendons by slicing around the valve. The place of the damaged valve is filled up with a new valve. The surgeons take out the patient under treatment of the bypass machine and close the chest by suturing the incision. It takes four to five hours to execute the entire surgery meticulously.

Different types of valves

Replacement valves are of three types. One is made of animal tissue, especially the aortic valve of a pig. The second one is mechanically made of plastic and metal. The third one mainly includes the valves of human heart. This valve is removed from the body of an organ donor.

Risks

The development of risks and complications as a result of double valve replacement is rare. But, some of the complications may be severe. Calcium deposits in the heart results from the replacement of a damaged valve with the valve that is made of animal tissue. These deposits impede the normal function of the heart. Anther risk of the valve replacement is the dislodging of the valves. Blood may clot on the surface area of the new valve and get into the general way of circulation. It blocks the artery that supplies the kidneys, brain, and legs with blood. The clotting of blood may cause stroke, kidney failure and fainting spells. Heart muscle infection is also a result of this replacement in some cases. Intravenous antibiotics are prescribed to treat it. Persistent infection indicates to another heart valve replacement.

Normal Results

Majority of heart replacement cases turn up successfully. Only a few patients die on account of the surgery. The percentage of patients who die during or after the surgery is very low. Percentage of patients who are under 65 and who die on account of the surgery is less than 1. However, the quality of life is improved after the surgery in successful cases.

When Can I Recover And Join Work?

Immediately after the surgery, you would be placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where your progress would be monitored. Usually the patient recovers with 2 days and is shifted from the ICU to the cardiac medical-surgical floor where the functioning of the heart is monitored regularly. The recovery from surgery in the hospital differs for each patient but is generally within 2 to 4 weeks the patient is discharged. After you return, you will not feel fully recovered. It will take, another 6 to 8 weeks at home before you can return to your normal routine.