Let's learn about Heart Valve Replacement in simple terms.

Has the doctor told you that you have a problem with a heart valve and that it will need to be replaced? It's normal to feel a little scared and anxious when you hear something like this. It's not surprising to think, "Oh, will I have to have surgery on my heart?" But in fact, this is a surgery that is being performed very successfully in the world and in our country now, and it helps save many lives. So, let's find answers to all the questions about this today. Let's talk about this surgery very simply, in a way that you can understand, okay?

Why do you need to replace a heart valve?

Simply put, our heart is an amazing piece of meat. It's like a little pump that pumps blood throughout our bodies. To do this job, there are four parts inside the heart that act like four doors. We call these heart valves . These valves only open and close in one direction, so blood always flows in the same direction.

Think of the water in your home as a faucet. If the faucet doesn't close properly, water leaks. If it doesn't open properly, the water flow becomes blocked. That's how it happens when these valves get sick.

• Stenosis: Sometimes the valve does not open properly and becomes narrowed, causing the heart to have to work harder to pump blood.
• Valve Leakage (Regurgitation): Sometimes the valve does not close properly and blood leaks backward. Then the heart has to work twice as hard.

When this condition becomes severe, you may experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting . That's when doctors decide to remove the diseased, malfunctioning valve and replace it with a new, functioning one. This is called a heart valve replacement .

What types of new valves are there?

There are two main types of replacement valves, or prosthetic valves. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Your doctor will help you choose the type that is best for you.

Now you may be wondering, "Which one should I choose?" Don't worry. Your doctor will consider many factors, including your age, health, the risks of taking blood thinners, and your ability to undergo further surgery in the future , and will discuss with you which valve is best for you. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together.

How is the surgery performed? What are the methods?

There are two main methods for replacing a heart valve. These are the traditional open surgical method and the modern catheter method. Your doctor will choose the best method based on your medical condition.

Open-Heart Surgery

This is the traditional method that has been used for a long time. In this surgery, an incision is made in the middle of the chest, the heart is stopped, and the work of the heart and lungs is temporarily transferred to a heart-lung machine . Examples of surgeries performed using this method are SAVR (Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement) .

Catheter-Based Procedures

This is the most commonly used modern method, which is not very strenuous on the body. Here, without opening the chest, a very small incision is made in a place such as the groin, a thin tube (catheter) is inserted through it, and the new valve is passed along that tube to the heart and implanted.

Examples of surgeries performed using this method are:TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) and TMVR (Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement) .

Your doctor will explain both methods to you and determine which is the safest and most effective for your situation.

How do you prepare before surgery?

The hospital will give you some instructions a day or two before the surgery.

• They will tell you exactly when to stop eating and drinking before surgery.
• They will advise you on whether or not you should stop taking any medications you normally take (especially those for diabetes and blood pressure).
• There may be several tests that need to be done before surgery.
• When you come to the hospital, wear comfortable, easy-to-wear clothing.
• It is also important to arrange in advance for someone to take you to and from the hospital.

What actually happens during surgery?

The surgery usually takes about one to four hours. Here's what happens during this time, in order:

1. Anesthesia: First, you are put completely to sleep. So you won't feel any pain. You won't remember anything.

2. Incision: Depending on the type of surgery being performed, an incision is made in the chest or groin area at an appropriate location.

3. Heart-Lung Machine: In open surgery, the work of the heart is temporarily transferred to this machine. This is not usually necessary for the catheter method.

4. Replacing the Valve: The doctor carefully removes the diseased valve and replaces it with a new biological or mechanical valve. In some modern procedures, the new valve is placed inside the old valve.

5. Closing the Incision: After making sure that the new valve is working properly, the incision will be stitched closed. You will then be taken to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

How is the recovery time after surgery?

After surgery, you will first be placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). There, doctors and nurses will monitor your condition closely. Once you have recovered a bit, you will be transferred to a regular ward.

Recovery time varies from person to person, but it usually takes between one and three months to fully recover. If the surgery was performed through a catheter, the recovery time may be shorter.

• You may feel tired quickly in the first few weeks. That's normal.
• The doctor advises you not to drive for a few weeks.
• You will have to stay away from strenuous activities like lifting weights for a while.
• You may need to rest for a few weeks or months before returning to work.
• You may be referred to a cardiac rehab program, which will greatly help you regain your strength.

When should I call the doctor?

After you go home, pay close attention to your body. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately.

• If you feel feverish or have a cold
• If your pulse feels irregular
• If the surgical wound is swollen, red, painful, or oozing pus
• Pain, redness, or swelling in the lower leg (this could be a sign of a blood clot)
• If you suddenly gain weight or your legs or ankles swell.

As you begin your new life with a new valve, you may experience a variety of emotions. It's normal to experience a mix of fear, joy, and relief. But remember, you're not alone. These surgeries are now very successful. With advances in technology, they're becoming safer every day. Your medical team will provide you with all the guidance you need on this journey.