Heart valve surgery (part -1)

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Heart valve surgery is a medical procedure that repairs or replaces damaged heart valves. The surgery can be done through traditional open-heart surgery or minimally invasive techniques. It is a common treatment for valve disorders such as valve stenosis or regurgitation. Proper post-operative care and lifestyle changes are necessary for a successful recovery.

Why is it done ?

Heart valve surgery is done to treat valve disorders that affect the proper functioning of the heart. Here are some common reasons why this surgery is done:

  1. Valve stenosis: This is a condition where the valve becomes narrow and obstructs blood flow, leading to symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Heart valve surgery can widen the valve opening or replace the valve with an artificial one.

  2. Valve regurgitation: This is a condition where the valve doesn't close properly, causing blood to leak backward into the heart. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. Heart valve surgery can repair or replace the valve to prevent blood from leaking.

  3. Congenital heart defects: Some people are born with heart valve abnormalities that require surgery to correct.

  4. Endocarditis: This is an infection of the heart valve that can cause damage and require surgery to repair or replace the valve.

  5. Aortic aneurysm: This is a bulging or swelling of the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart. Heart valve surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the valve that connects the aorta to the heart.

Process:

Heart valve surgery is a complex medical procedure that involves several steps. Here's an overview of the process:

  1. Anesthesia: The patient is given anesthesia to make them unconscious and pain-free during the surgery.

  2. Incision: The surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the heart. The incision can be made through the breastbone or on the side of the chest, depending on the type of surgery.

  3. Heart-lung bypass: The surgeon connects the patient to a heart-lung bypass machine, which takes over the job of the heart and lungs during the surgery. This allows the surgeon to stop the heart and work on the valves.

  4. Valve repair or replacement: The surgeon repairs the damaged valve if possible or replaces it with an artificial valve. The type of valve used depends on the patient's condition and preferences.

  5. Closing the incision: After the valve repair or replacement is complete, the surgeon closes the incision with sutures or staples.

  6. Recovery: The patient is closely monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) for a few days after the surgery. They are gradually weaned off the ventilator and heart-lung bypass machine. The length of hospital stay varies depending on the patient's condition and the type of surgery.

  7. Rehabilitation: After discharge from the hospital, the patient undergoes a rehabilitation program to regain strength and function. This includes exercises and lifestyle changes to maintain heart health.

Heart valve surgery is a major procedure that requires expertise and experience. Proper pre-operative preparation, surgery, and post-operative care are necessary for a successful outcome.

Accounting for thorough experience and practice, Dr. Aritra Konar is a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Kolkata. He has been deemed one of the best cardiologists and heart surgeons in Kolkata for his expertise lies in Coronary (femoral & radial routes) angiography, Coronary angioplasty (including primary angioplasty), Peripheral angiography and angioplasty, Permanent pacemaker, ICD, CRT implantation, BMV, BPV, Right heart catheterization and so on, in procedural skills. His guidance is trusted and so are his skills.

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