What is Mitral Valve Replacement?

Mitral valve replacement is a surgical procedure in which an artificial mitral valve replaces a diseased mitral valve. The mitral valve is one of the four heart valves that allows blood from the heart's upper left chamber, the left atrium, to enter the lower left chamber, the left ventricle. If the mitral valve fails to function, it results in heart failure.

Who should undergo a Mitral Valve Replacement Procedure?

If the mitral valve is severely damaged or does not function properly, your doctor may recommend you undergo a mitral valve replacement. Typically, this is necessary when other treatments, including medications or lifestyle modifications, are no longer effective.

What would my new valve be made of?

There are two types of replacement valves:

• Mechanical valves: carbon and steel.
• Biological valves: tissue from pigs, cows, and sometimes humans.
• Generally, the following age-related guidelines are followed by healthcare professionals to decide which valve you require:
• For those below 50, a mechanical valve is required (unless they are pregnant or intend to get pregnant).
• One between fifty and sixty-five.
• Biological after 65.

These guidelines have been developed with the advantages and disadvantages of each type of valve kept in mind.

Biological valve

Advantages-

• It is very durable. The life expectancy of a biological valve is about 20–30 years.
• This reduces your probability of requiring to have the valve operated again.

Disadvantages

• In order not to develop blood clots, you will need to be on anticoagulants and blood thinners for life. Clots are more likely to occur with mechanical valves compared to biological valves.
• You may be able to hear a slight click with each operation of the valve.

The most common disadvantage of anticoagulant medication is the use of blood thinners. Discuss with your doctor whether you should take long-term anticoagulant medication and what this entails. A few individuals will risk having to use anticoagulants. These are individuals who:

• Have or intend to conceive. Blood thinners can harm the fetus while it develops.
• Prone to stumble and fall. Blood thinners enhance the possibility of bleeding at an injury site.
• Likely to get injured at work or as a pastime when engaging in leisure activities or sports.

There could be other causes as to why people do not want to be on blood thinners. Therefore, if this is your concern, a bioprosthetic valve might suit you.

Biological (bioprosthetic) valve

Benefits-

• Unless you have another serious medical condition that you will be on these blood thinners for the rest of your life, you will likely not be.
• You are less likely to form blood clots.

Disadvantages

• It's not as long-lasting as a mechanical valve.
• You'll likely have another valve replacement surgery within ten to fifteen years.

Maybe you are not entirely sure what kind of valve you should have. This is an important decision. It's key for you to weigh each in terms of pros and cons.

Surgeons recognize personal decisions and preferences of each patient. With your provider, do not hesitate to state your thoughts and preferences.

How Is the Mitral Valve Replacement Procedure Carried Out?

Mitral valve replacement is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will make either a midline sternotomy incision down through your breastbone or an intercostal incision incision between your ribs. The surgeon will then excise the damaged mitral valve and replace it with a prosthetic valve. The wound is typically closed using staples or stitches.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Mitral Valve Replacement?

The time taken for recovery after mitral valve replacement will depend on your general state, the prosthetic used, and complications that may occur. Most people take a few weeks to get well. You will have to be resting, take prescribed medicines, and do whatever your doctor tells you to do during this period.

What to Expect Before Mitral Valve Replacement?

The heart will likely undergo numerous tests, starting with an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, and chest X-ray, to verify its general condition. You will also thoroughly discuss the procedure, its risks, and potential benefits with your surgeon.

What to Expect During Mitral Valve Replacement?

Your surgeon will replace your mitral valve under general anesthesia. This implies that you would be asleep throughout the procedure. There would be an incision into your chest, after which your surgeon would gain access to the malfunctioning mitral valve that he or she would then replace with a prosthetic one. What to Expect After Mitral Valve Replacement

You will be monitored in the ICU for several days post-surgery. You will have some discomfort or pain, but that can be treated with pain medication; you will also need medications to prevent infection and clotting of your blood.

Is Mitral Valve Replacement Life-Threatening?

While mitral valve replacement surgery is generally well-safe, it does involve risks. These include bleeding, infection, stroke, and heart attack.

However, the benefits of the treatment may be more significant than the risks for individuals with severe mitral valve disease.

How effective is the Mitral Valve Replacement?

The success rate of mitral valve replacement is very high. Most patients undergoing this procedure experience a significant reduction in symptoms and improved quality of life. Long-term success does depend upon the prosthetic device used and your condition.

What Age Do You Get Mitral Valve Replacement?

Anyone of any age can undergo this mitral valve replacement. Your case's severity and health condition determine when you will undergo the procedure.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for mitral valve replacement?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospital for Mitral Valve Replacement in Lucknow, India. With expert cardiac surgeons, modern technology, and compassionate care, the hospital ensures safer surgeries, faster recovery, and better long-term results.

To seek an expert consultation for mitral valve replacement in Lucknow, India.

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

Request a Call Back