Yes, heart valve replacement is a serious surgery. It involves removing a damaged or diseased heart valve and replacing it with a mechanical, bioprosthetic, or biological valve. The replacement valve is then secured with sutures to the heart’s native annulus and the wall of the left ventricle.
Heart valve replacement surgery can be major or minor, based on the type of valve and type of surgery. Minor heart valve replacement surgery is usually done using a minimally invasive technique called transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
It involves using a catheter to place a replacement valve into the heart through a small hole in the side of the ribcage. Major heart valve replacement surgery, on the other hand, is usually done by opening up the chest and making an incision to replace the valve.
Regardless of the type of valve replacement surgery, the procedure is considered major in terms of risks for potential complications. Possible complications of heart valve replacement surgery include bleeding, infections, formation of blood clots, damage to the heart, and stroke.
In addition, there is also a risk of structural failure of the prosthetic valve, which can require additional surgery. Therefore, it is important to discuss the risks with your doctor before making a decision to have heart valve replacement surgery.
What is the survival rate for heart valve replacement surgery?
The survival rate for heart valve replacement surgery depends on many factors, including the individual’s age and overall health, the type of valve being replaced, the type of procedure being used, and the experience of the surgeon.
According to the American Heart Association, a hand-sewn aortic valve replacement survival rate after 10 years is between 80-90%, and a prosthetic aortic valve survival rate after 10 years is between 93-98%.
The survival rate for hand-sewn mitral valve replacement surgery 10 years after the procedure is between 73-90%, while the prosthetic mitral valve replacement surgery 10 years after the procedure stands at around 95-98%.
Including infection, stroke, irregular heartbeats, and even death. It is therefore important to consult with an experienced cardiologist before undergoing any kind of heart or vascular procedure.
How long do you stay in hospital after heart valve replacement?
The typical length of stay in the hospital following heart valve replacement is 7-10 days. The recovery process is different for every patient, however; some may need to stay longer if they are having additional health concerns.
Your doctor will be able to provide you with a better idea of how long you may need to remain in the hospital. Additionally, recovering at home will also be taken into account, as physical therapy and follow-up appointments may be necessary for a successful recovery.
Generally speaking, recovery can take anywhere from 1-3 months, depending on each patient’s unique circumstance, and any additional medical needs. During your recovery, it’s important to follow all of your doctor’s instructions and take any prescribed medications as directed.
Can I live a normal life after heart valve replacement?
Yes, you can live a normal life after having a heart valve replacement. In most cases, patients will return to their usual activities and level of physical activity within a few weeks after surgery. After your surgery, your cardiologist and care team will develop a plan to help you through your recovery process.
This will include a schedule for follow-up visits, changes to your diet and lifestyle, as well as instructions for taking medications and monitoring your health. The goal is to ensure that you have a successful and lasting recovery after your procedure.
In addition to receiving guidance from your medical team, it’s important to make some lifestyle changes so that you can get the most out of your recovery. These can include quitting smoking, healthy eating and exercising.
Additionally, it’s important to monitor your health and look for signs of potential complications such as swelling, pain in the chest or shortness of breath. If you experience any of these symptoms, make sure to report them to your doctor right away.
With the help of your medical team and some lifestyle adjustments, you can live a normal life after undergoing a heart valve replacement.
Are you awake during a heart valve replacement?
No, you are not awake during a heart valve replacement. During the procedure, general anesthesia is used to put you into a sleep-like state so that you feel no pain or discomfort. A breathing tube is inserted into the airway so that you can be put on a mechanical ventilator and your blood pressure, body temperature, and other vital signs monitored.
During the procedure, a cardiopulmonary bypass machine takes over the work of the heart and lungs to supply oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood to the brain and other organs. The heart is opened so that the surgeon can access the damaged valve and replace it with a new one.
After the valve is successfully replaced, the cardiopulmonary bypass machine is turned off and blood begins to flow back into the heart. The incision is then closed and the patient is taken off the ventilator and awakened.
How do you feel after heart valve surgery?
It is normal to have a wide range of emotions after heart valve surgery. Many people experience a mixture of relief, fear, joy, and sadness. Relief because the surgery was a success and perceived threat has been removed, fear because of unknown outcomes and recovery, joy because of the new chance at life, and sadness because of the lifestyle changes that may come with recovery.
Immediately after surgery, I felt relieved that the surgery was a success and my life was no longer at risk. I then felt a bit of fear and uncertainty, as I had no idea what the recovery period would be like and how it would affect my everyday life.
Once I started feeling better, I began to feel more joy because of the new chance at life that the surgery has provided me. There was also a sense of sadness as I had to adjust to a different lifestyle and make sacrifices.
Including the American Heart Association, that provide great resources for people who have recently had heart surgery. These can help to provide comfort and support to those unsure of how to handle their emotions.
Additionally, talking to your doctor or healthcare provider can help you to navigate the emotional limbo and can provide helpful advice on your unique situation.
Is it better to repair or replace a heart valve?
It depends on the individual situation. If the existing heart valve is inoperable and no longer functions, a replacement valve is usually the best option. If the heart valve is functioning but has some minor issues, a repair may be the best option.
Ultimately, the best route should be discussed with a cardiologist and the individual’s medical history should be taken into account to determine the safest, most effective option. There are risks associated with both repairing and replacing a heart valve, but the cardiologist can help to determine which option presents fewer risks and can provide the strongest outcome.
In some cases, repairing a valve can prevent the need for replacement and can also be a cost-effective option. There are different types of repairs available including balloon valvuloplasty and valve repair procedures such as sutureless, ring annuloplasty, or repair of valve leaflets.
If the heart valve is deemed too severely damaged and cannot be repaired, then a valve replacement may be necessary. Valve replacements come in three main types; mechanical valves, bioprosthetic valves, and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
It is important to thoroughly discuss the risks and benefits of each option with the cardiologist in order to make the most informed decision.
What to expect when you wake up from open heart surgery?
When you wake up from open heart surgery, you can expect to experience some discomfort and pain. You will also have to stay in the hospital for at least several days for monitoring and physical therapy.
You may also have to wear a specialized vest for a period of time to protect your recently-operated-on chest.
Your first few days post-surgery may be uncomfortable as you adjust to the new reality of your body, and you may feel very weak and fatigued. It is important to take your pain medications as prescribed and to ask the hospital staff for help if any of your symptoms become noticeable or bothersome, including nausea, trouble sleeping, or difficulty breathing.
You will likely need to use oxygen therapy and other breathing treatments as you recover. You will also be instructed on how to walk with assistance, how to take your medications, and how to eat properly.
You will be given samples of physical therapy exercises to help you rebuild strength in your chest, arms, and legs.
Once you have been released from the hospital, you may need to take additional medications and physical therapy to get back to your pre-surgery health level. You may also have to make some lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and drinking, and making sure to get enough exercise.
It is important to keep up with your post-operative care to minimize the chance of infection and to ensure a healthy and successful recovery.
What are the chances of surviving heart valve surgery?
Overall, the chances of survival from heart valve surgery are very good. The exact likelihood of survival depends on the underlying cause of the valve problem, the severity of the illness and the individual’s overall health.
Generally, for patients who have severe valvular disease that is causing severe symptoms and/or life‑limiting complications, operative mortality is around 3‑5%. Meanwhile, if the surgery is done for prophylactic reasons or for a mild or moderate valvular disease, the mortality rate is about 1‑2%.
For a specific example, the chances of survival for patients undergoing minimally invasive heart valve surgery are generally better than in traditional open‑heart surgery. The success rates for minimally invasive aortic valve replacement with the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) technique have been reported to be as high as 95%, while traditional open‑heart surgeries can have success rates as low as 70% to 80%.
However, it is important to keep in mind that the overall mortality rates mentioned previously include both the operative mortality and post‑operative mortality, and that the post-operative mortality rate can vary greatly depending on the individual’s age, overall health, and other pre-existing medical conditions.
Overall, the chances of survival from heart valve surgery are very good, with a reported mortality rate of around 3‑5% for severe valvular disease and 1‑2% for mild or moderate valvular pathology. Minimally invasive heart valve surgery allows for even greater likelihood of survival, with reported success rates of around 95%.
Can you go home the same day after heart surgery?
It depends on the type of surgery that was conducted. Some heart surgeries, such as coronary angiogram, may allow the patient to go home the same day because it is minimally invasive and does not require any reparation of the heart.
On the other hand, more invasive surgeries that involve bypassing the heart or repairing heart valves may require a hospital stay of several days or longer, depending on the patient’s condition. Before undergoing any type of heart surgery, patients should discuss the recovery and discharge instructions with their physician to understand the possible length of the hospital stay.