Heart Valve Surgery

Before heart valve surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation to assess the severity of valve disease and overall health. Diagnostic tests such as echocardiography, ECG, chest X-rays, and blood tests are performed to understand heart function and identify any associated conditions. In some cases, coronary angiography may also be required to evaluate the coronary arteries. Doctors carefully review the patient’s medical history, including existing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or kidney disease, to minimize risks during surgery. Patients are advised to follow specific preoperative instructions, including fasting for several hours before the procedure and adjusting medications under medical supervision. Lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing stress are recommended to improve surgical outcomes.

On the day of the procedure, the patient is taken to the operating room, where general anesthesia is administered, ensuring a pain-free and unconscious state throughout the surgery. A breathing tube is inserted, and the patient is connected to a ventilator to support breathing. In traditional open-heart valve surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the chest and opens the breastbone to access the heart. A heart-lung machine is typically used to maintain blood circulation while the heart is temporarily stopped. The surgeon then repairs the damaged valve or replaces it with a new artificial or biological valve, depending on the patient’s condition. In certain cases, minimally invasive or transcatheter approaches are used, where the valve is repaired or replaced through smaller incisions or via a catheter inserted through a blood vessel. Once the procedure is complete, the heart is restarted if necessary, and the chest is closed carefully.

After heart valve surgery, patients are closely monitored in the intensive care unit for the first 24 to 48 hours. Vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels are continuously observed to ensure stability. Patients may initially require ventilator support until they are able to breathe independently. Pain management, infection prevention, and wound care are critical aspects of post-operative care. Patients are gradually encouraged to sit, stand, and walk within a few days to promote circulation and prevent complications such as blood clots. Medications are prescribed to support heart function and, in the case of mechanical valves, to prevent blood clot formation. The hospital stay typically lasts between 5 and 7 days, depending on the patient’s recovery and the type of surgery performed.