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Introduction

Heart valve replacement surgery is an advanced procedure that treats heart valve disease by repairing or replacing the damaged or diseased heart valve. The surgery can be performed in traditional open-heart surgery or in a minimally invasive way.

You should opt for heart valve surgery in Mumbai at Gleneagles Hospitals if the ability of the heart to pump blood is affected. Since a heart valve cannot repair itself, valve disease does not go away and worsens over time. Surgery is an effective long-term solution. Your healthcare provider helps you determine when it is the right time to go for heart valve replacement surgery.

What Is Heart Valve Surgery?

Heart valve replacement surgery is done to correct problems caused by one or more diseased heart valves. It is an open surgery that happens through the breast bones and into the chest. Heart valve replacement surgery in Mumbai is a major operation that often lasts over two hours and takes several weeks for the best results.

Types of Heart Valve Replacement Surgery

There are many types of heart wall surgery in Mumbai that depend on the age of the patient, overall health, and lifestyle. Here are some common types of mitral valve replacement surgery.

  • Mechanical Valves: Mechanical valves in MVR surgery are made out of special types of carbon and titanium that are very long-lasting.
  • Bioprosthetic Valves: These are heart valves for mitral valve replacement that are made of biological components like porcine tissue, bovine pericardium, or human tissue.
  • TAVR/TAVI: TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) and TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation) are minimally invasive procedures where a new valve is inserted, removing an old and damaged valve. It is a procedure to replace an aortic valve that does not open fully.
  • Homografts and Autografts: In MVR surgery, a homograft refers to a heart valve taken from a diseased donor, and autografts are most commonly used in the pulmonary valve to replace the aortic valve in a procedure that harvests the patient’s old valve to replace a diseased valve.
  • Robot-Assisted Heart Valve Replacement Surgery: This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses robotic tools to perform the procedure for better precision and accuracy. It leads to faster recovery and a greater range of motion than traditional ways.
  • Transcatheter Edge-To-Edge Repair: It is a minimally invasive procedure that treats the mitral and tricuspid valves by using a catheter.

Why Choose Heart Wall Surgery Treatment?

Heart-wall surgery is recommended to correct problems caused by one or more damaged valves. A damaged or diseased heart valve can cause symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting. It is important to give this condition proper medical attention, as the symptoms would get worse otherwise.

  • Leaky Valve: If you have one or more heart valves that are leaky and allow blood to flow backwards, then you might be recommended for valve replacement surgery.
  • Narrowed Valve: If you have one or more narrowed valves that make it harder for the heart to pump blood, then you probably need heart valve replacement surgery.
  • Severe Symptoms: Severe symptoms require surgical interventions.
  • History of Blood Clots: If you have a history of blood clots, then you might be recommended for heart valve surgery in Mumbai

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Preparation for Heart Valve Replacement Surgery

The preparation for heart valve replacement surgery involves following crucial instructions for a smooth procedure and recovery. Here are some steps that a doctor might recommend before heart valve replacement surgery:

Medical Evaluation 

  • Diagnostic Tests: You might have to go through a range of diagnostic tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, chest X-ray, and cardiac catheterisation to evaluate whether you can undergo the surgery.
  • Blood Tests: Doctors will perform blood tests to ensure there are no infections.
  • Medication Review: Doctors may stop or adjust certain medications, like blood thinners, in preparation for the surgery. 

Lifestyle Adjustments 

  • Healthy Diet: It is recommended that you have a healthy diet that has low sodium and saturated fats.
  • Exercise & Activity: While you need to avoid strenuous activities in your condition, light exercises ensure you stay physically fit.
  • Smoking & Alcohol: Stopping smoking and limiting alcohol consumption is a good practice to improve heart function before the surgery. 

Pre-Surgery Instructions 

  • Fasting: Typically, no food or drink is allowed after midnight before the surgery.
  • Medication Management: Take the prescribed medications as directed by the doctor on the day of surgery.
  • Hospital Stay Preparation: Pack essentials like important documents, change of clothes, and toiletries before the surgery. 

Mental & Emotional Preparation 

  • Understanding the Procedure: Discuss the surgery with your healthcare professional and understand the risks as well as the long-term benefits.
  • Support System: Arrange family and friends to assist you after the surgery.
  • Stress Management: Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques to manage stress before the surgery.

Heart Valve Replacement Surgery Procedure

Heart valve replacement involves repairing or replacing the damaged or diseased heart valve with mechanical or biological valves. The procedure is performed through traditional open heart surgery in Mumbai or advanced minimally invasive techniques.

Anaesthesia & Preparation The patient has to undergo general anaesthesia to remain unconscious during the procedure. A breathing tube is inserted, and a heart-lung machine is prepared to monitor heart function during the surgery. The surgical site is cleaned to make incisions. 

Surgical Approaches 

  • Traditional Open Heart Surgery: A sternotomy (large incision in the chest) is made to access the patient's heart. The heart is then temporarily stopped, and a heart-lung machine is used to maintain circulation. The damaged valve is removed and replaced with a mechanical and biological heart.
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS): It is performed through small incisions on the chest or catheter-based techniques (TAVR). This method uses robotic assistance or catheter insertion from the groin. It is less invasive than traditional open surgery and has a shorter recovery time. 

Valve Replacement 

  • Mechanical Valves: These valves are made from durable materials like metal or carbon, and they require lifelong blood thinners.
  • Biological Valves: These valves are derived from pig, cow, or human donors. It lasts approximately 10–12 years with no need for blood thinners. 

Closing the Incision & Recovery After the main procedure, the heart is restarted, and blood circulation is improved. The incision is closed using stitches/staples. The patient is kept in the ICU for a while before being moved to the heart valve replacement recovery room. 

Post-Surgery Care & Monitoring Pain management and oxygen support are provided post-operation. The patient is monitored round the clock for complications. The patient is recommended cardiac rehabilitation, medication, and lifestyle adjustments for long-term wellness.

Heart Valve Replacement Surgery Procedure

Recovery & Aftercare

After a heart valve surgery in Mumbai, the recovery usually takes anywhere between 4 and 8 weeks. The heart valve replacement recovery focuses on a gradual increase in activity and close monitoring for complications. Most people will need to attend cardiac rehabilitation to build strength for regular activities.

Patients are asked to avoid any strenuous activities in the aftercare period. Breathing exercises are recommended for maintaining heart health.

Risk & Complications after Heart Valve Replacement Surgery

Possible risks and complications after heart valve replacement surgery include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and arrhythmias.

  • Bleeding: Excessive bleeding during or post-surgery may require chest tubes or another procedure.
  • Infection: Wound infections, lung infections, bladder infections, and heart valve infections are common complications in this procedure. Typically, antibiotics are administered to reduce the chances of infection.
  • Blood Clots: Having blood clots can cause a heart attack, stroke, valve dysfunction, or lung problems. Anticoagulant medicine is prescribed to tackle this condition.
  • Arrhythmias: It is a possible complication of heart valve surgery. A pacemaker may be required to correct the condition.

Why Choose Gleneagles Hospital for Heart Valve Replacement Surgery in Mumbai?

Gleneagles Hospitals is a leading provider of world-class cardiac care with advanced heart valve surgery in Mumbai. We have a proven track record of high success rates due to advanced technology, modern facilities, and cutting-edge minimally invasive procedures. We provide comprehensive medical attention before and after the surgery for quicker recovery. Here are some of the reasons Gleneagles Hospital is considered one of the best hospital for heart surgery in Mumbai​:

  • Expert Cardiologist: Our highly skilled cardiac surgeons have extensive experience in valve replacement procedures.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our heart surgery hospital in Mumbai​ has great cath labs and hybrid operation theatres for minimally invasive procedures.
  • Minimally Invasive Techniques: We perform transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) for high-risk patients. These procedures cause fewer complications and reduce hospital stays.
  • World-Class Infrastructure: Our modern operating rooms, ICUs, and recovery units ensure comfort and efficiency.
  • High Success Rate: The hospital ensures excellent patient outcomes with superior care.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is heart valve replacement surgery?

Heart valve replacement surgery is an advanced procedure that treats heart valve disease by repairing or replacing the damaged or diseased heart valve.

Q. When should one opt for heart valve replacement surgery in Mumbai?

You should opt for heart valve replacement surgery in Mumbai at Gleneagles Hospitals if the ability of the heart to pump blood is affected. Since a heart valve cannot repair itself, valve disease does not go away and worsens over time. Surgery is an effective long-term solution. Your healthcare provider helps you determine when it is the right time to go for heart valve replacement surgery.

Q. How long does a heart valve replacement surgery last?

A heart valve replacement surgery lasts approximately two hours.

Q. When is heart wall surgery recommended?

Heart wall surgery is recommended when a damaged or diseased heart valve is significantly impairing the quality of life. It aims to repair or replace a valve that is too narrow or does not close right.

Q. What are some risks and complications after a heart valve replacement surgery?

Possible risks and complications after heart valve replacement surgery include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and arrhythmias.

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