Valvular heart surgery is performed
to treat valvular
heart disease. During this operation, also done through
a chest incision under general anesthesia, a valve that is not
functioning correctly can be either repaired
or replaced. A valve
repair is called a valvuloplasty. If the valve is being replaced,
the affected valve will be removed. Then a replacement valve
that is either a mechanical
valve or a tissue
valve will be sewn into place. Your cardiothoracic
surgeon and cardiologist
will discuss the various valve options with you and recommend
the best treatment for your particular condition.
After valve surgery, your care will begin in an intensive care unit; and your total hospital stay will be between four and seven days. Specific aftercare will be
explained to you in detail, and it may include a recommendation to participate in cardiac rehabilitation. A follow-up appointment
with your surgeon will be scheduled. Long-term monitoring of your repaired or replaced heart valve will require occasional visits to your primary care physician,
cardiologist and periodic echocardiograms.
Choose a topic at left and click for more information on Open Heart Surgery.
