Have you or a loved one ever been told by a doctor that they need to have heart valve surgery? It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when you hear those words. Who doesn't like the word "heart surgery," right? But once you know exactly what this surgery is, your fear will go away. So, today we'll talk about heart valve surgery in simple terms, in language that you can understand.
What exactly is heart valve surgery?
Simply put, heart valve surgery is an operation to repair (fix) or replace one or more valves in your heart.
Think of your heart as a house with four chambers. Between these four chambers are parts like doors that allow blood to flow in only one direction. That's what we call valves . Each time the heart beats, these valves open and close, keeping the blood flowing in an orderly, one-way flow.
But sometimes these valves get sick. Either they don't close properly and blood starts to leak backward . Or the valve thickens and narrows, blocking the way for blood to flow forward . Whatever happens, the heart can't work properly. That means the heart has to work harder than it should to pump blood. That's when doctors think about surgery.
There are four main types of valves in our heart.
| Valve Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Tricuspid Valve | Between the upper and lower chambers on the right side of the heart |
| Pulmonary Valve | Between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery |
| Mitral Valve | Between the upper and lower chambers on the left side of the heart |
| Aortic Valve | Between the left ventricle and the main artery that carries blood to the body (Aorta) |
What are the types of surgeries?
Several factors will determine the type of surgery you will have. For example, your age, the condition of your heart, and any other medical conditions you may have. The doctor will perform tests to determine exactly what problem you have with your valve and how severe it is. Only then will he or she decide on the surgery that is best for you.
There are two main types of surgery.
Valve Repair Surgery
This involves preserving your own valve as much as possible and only repairing the defect. This is often the first choice of surgeons because it is a great advantage to be able to keep your own tissue.
Valve Replacement Surgery
Sometimes the valve may be too damaged to be repaired. In that case, the defective valve is completely removed and a new valve is implanted in its place. This new valve can be biological (made from pig, cow, or human tissue) or mechanical (made from metal or carbon). These are designed to fit the body, so your body will not reject them.
Can a heart valve heal on its own?
No. It never will. This is the most important thing we all need to understand. Heart valve disease is a condition that gets worse over time. While medication can control the symptoms for a while, it does not cure the disease. The only permanent solution is surgery. So if your doctor decides that surgery is necessary, it is not a good idea to postpone it.
Surgery is usually considered when symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness become too severe to be controlled with medication. Sometimes it is safer to have surgery before symptoms develop.
How do you prepare before surgery?
You will need to have several tests about a day before the surgery.
- Chest X-ray
- Heart scan (Echocardiogram)
- ECG test (Electrocardiogram)
- CT scan
- Tests such as cardiac catheterization
- Blood tests
You will be advised not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the surgery. Also, talk to your doctor about the medications you are taking and find out exactly which medications you need to stop taking before the surgery and which you need to continue taking.
What happens during the surgery?
You will be under anesthesia and in a deep sleep throughout the operation, so you will not feel any pain. The surgeon will make a small incision in your chest to access your heart. During the operation, a special machine (heart-lung machine) will be used to do the work of your heart and lungs. The medical team will then repair or replace the valve. When the operation is complete, the heart will be restarted and the incision will be closed.
| Surgical method | Description |
|---|---|
| Traditional open-heart surgery | An incision of about 6-8 inches is made in the chest. |
| Minimally invasive surgery | A 3-4 inch or smaller incision is used. Robotic-assisted technology may also be used. |
| Transcatheter method | The surgery is performed without opening the chest, by inserting a small tube (catheter) through a blood vessel in the groin. TAVR is a well-known method of this type. |
How long does it take to recover?
It usually takes about 4 to 8 weeks to fully recover. However, if you had minimally invasive surgery, your recovery time may be shorter.
After the surgery, you will be kept in the intensive care unit (ICU) for one or two days, and then transferred to a regular ward. You will stay in the hospital for about 5-7 days. It is normal to feel a little tired at first and to feel some pain at the incision site.
Remember these things during recovery:
- Don't forget to go to any follow-up appointments given by the doctor.
- Do not lift heavy weights (more than 7 kg) for the first 6-8 weeks.
- Don't drive without consulting your doctor.
- Start walking as soon as possible. First, indoors, then gradually increase the distance.
- You may be able to return to work after 6-12 weeks. Talk to your doctor about this.
When should you call your doctor?
It is very important to inform your doctor immediately if any problems arise during your recovery.
| Feature to pay attention to | What to do |
|---|---|
| Pain, redness, swelling, or pus around the incision. | Tell your doctor immediately. This could be a sign of an infection. |
| Fever. | Another sign of infection. Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Sudden weight gain (e.g. more than 2 kg). | This could be a sign of fluid retention. Tell your doctor. |
| Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing. | Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. |
Some other questions you may have in mind
Will I have to take anticoagulants for the rest of my life?
This depends on what kind of valve you have.
- If you have a mechanical valve , yes. You will need to take blood-thinning medication for the rest of your life. It prevents blood clots from forming on the valve.
- If you had a valve repair or a biological valve , you may only need to take this medication for a few weeks after surgery. You may not need it at all. Your doctor will tell you exactly what to do.
Can I live a normal life after the surgery?
Yes, most people can. You can resume your pre-surgery activities, exercises, etc. But remember, not everyone is the same. Your recovery may be different from someone else's. So give yourself some rest and listen to your body.
Take-Home Message
- Heart valve surgery is not something to be afraid of. It is now a very successful, life-saving, and quality-of-life-improving surgery.
- A diseased valve will not heal on its own. The condition will worsen over time, so it is very important to follow your doctor's instructions.
- The type of surgery you have (repair, reconstruction, open surgery, or minimally invasive) will depend on your own health condition.
- Be patient during your recovery. Give your body the time it needs to heal.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions, fears, or doubts you may have. They are there to help you.
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