After being diagnosed with a heart valve problem, your doctor may schedule surgery for you. There are several different ways to repair heart valve problems, and your doctor will help you choose the best treatment for you.
Some heart valve problems can be repaired through a minimally invasive approach. Click here to read more about heart valve repair using the da Vinci® Surgical System.
During your surgery If your surgeon is using a minimally invasive approach, the surgeon will use small incisions and ports to repair your heart.
If the surgeon determines that a minimally invasive approach is not appropriate for your specific cardiac need, the surgeon will make an incision along your breastbone to gain access to your heart. The breastbone (sternum) is then separated.
A heart-lung machine will oxygenate your blood so your heart and lungs can be still during the surgery.
The surgeon will either repair or replace the problem valve. If you have another heart problem, a second procedure may be done at the same time to take care of it, too.
After surgery is done, if the surgeon used an open approach, the breastbone is rejoined with wires. In many cases, the breastbone heals in six to eight weeks.
If the surgeon used a minimally invasive approach, the small incisions will be closed.
Three ways to treat problem valves Different problems call for different treatments. Your doctor will talk with you in advance about the treatment that is best for you. In some cases, though, the plan may need to change once surgery has begun. The three basic ways to treat valve problems during surgery are:
Repair of the valve: Whenever they can, surgeons prefer to repair a valve rather than replace it. The most common kind of repair involves sewing a ring around the entrance to a valve to improve its size or shape. Another involves cutting tissue to let leaflets open or close better. When repair isn't possible, the valve will be replaced.
Replacement with a mechanical valve: Mechanical valves are made of metal or hard carbon. There are many designs. Valves can last for decades. But blood tends to stick to them, forming clots. So if you receive a mechanical valve, you have to take Coumadin, an anticoagulant medication, for life to prevent blood clots.
Replacement with a tissue valve: A tissue valve usually comes from a pig or a cow. Blood does not clot as easily on tissue valves. So patients getting tissue valves may need Coumadin for only a short time. Aspirin is sometimes used instead. Tissue valves may wear out faster than mechanical valves. So they may have to be replaced sooner.
If you are in need of a mitral valve repair, you may be a candidate for a less invasive surgery using the da Vinci Surgical System. Talk to your doctor to see if this may be an option for you.
Recovering after surgery After surgery, you'll spend at least a day in the intensive care unit (ICU). Highly trained nurses will monitor you closely. When you're ready, you will be moved to a general care room. You'll stay there for five to six days. While there, you'll recover further and prepare to go home.
Give yourself time to get better little by little. Expect good days and bad days. At first, you may tire easily. But being active will help you recover. Find the right balance between rest and activity. And follow all instructions you're given.
Risks and complications Most valve surgeries have an excellent outcome. But any major surgery carries risk. Valve surgery risks include:
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Bleeding, need for a transfusion
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Infection
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Blood clot
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Heart rhythm problems, stroke, heart attack or death
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Problems in the lungs or kidneys
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Failure of the new or repaired valve
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Damage to the heart
During your recovery, call your doctor if you:
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Are short of breath while resting, or after only a little exertion
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Notice your heart beating fast or slow or skipping beats (palpitations)
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Gain more than two pounds in one day or five pounds in seven days, or your legs swell (retaining fluids)
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Feel dizzy or lightheaded
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Have fever of 100°F or higher
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Notice changes in your incision, such as swelling, oozing, or getting red or tender (call your surgeon)
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Have pain in your chest or shoulder that gets worse instead of better
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Have clicking or grinding in your breastbone
