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AORTIC AND MITRAL VALVE REPLACEMENT

TREATING A DISEASED HEART VALVE

There are several ways to treat a diseased heart valve — with medication, by repairing it, or by replacing it.

Every patient's condition is unique and each doctor has a unique approach to treatment. Together, you and your doctor will determine if heart valve replacement surgery is the best treatment for your particular condition.

HEART VALVE REPLACEMENT SURGERY

Valve replacement surgery is an effective way to treat problem valves. This procedure has been performed for decades. It is generally an effective safe procedure that can help many patients like you live healthy, active lives.

Two types of artificial (prosthetic) replacement valves are available for surgical implantation. One is a mechanical valve that is made of durable materials; the other is made of tissue. Tissue valves can be donated human heart valves or they can be made from animal tissue. Your condition is unique, so the kind of prosthetic valve used will be a decision you and your doctor make together.

Your doctor will get information about your heart valve condition by performing tests including any or all of these:

  • Death
  • Blood clots that develop in the heart or on the replacement valve. These clots may break loose and travel through the bloodstream (thromboembolism). This problem may cause a stroke or heart attack.
  • Obstruction of blood circulation to the heart resulting in damage to the heart tissue (myocardial infarction)
  • Angina (chest pain)
  • Abnormal heartbeat (cardiac arrhythmia and dysrhythmia)
  • Heart failure
  • Damage to red blood cells (hemolysis) that can result in anemia
  • Blood leaking around the outside of the prosthetic valve (paravalvular leak) or any problem with the valve that causes leaking of blood after the valve has closed (transvalvular leak)
  • Any problem with the prosthetic valve that causes narrowing of the valve opening (stenosis)
  • Failure of the valve to open and close properly
  • Inflammation of the lining of the heart (endocarditis)

Make sure you get answers to all your questions and that you understand completely why a particular valve was chosen for you.

SHOULD I GET A MECHANICAL VALVE OR A TISSUE VALVE?

There are advantages and disadvantages with either choice. Your doctor can provide more details. A mechanical valve lasts longer than a tissue valve, but you'll have to be on blood-thinning medication for the rest of your life to reduce the risk of blood clots. The main advantage of a tissue valve is that it does not typically require blood-thinning medication.

You and your doctor will decide together which option is best for you.

FIND OUT WHAT TO EXPECT WITH SURGERY

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DISCLAIMER: The content of this document is meant for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in any manner. Nothing herein should be construed as a promotion or solicitation for an indication for any product which is not authorized by the laws and regulations of your country of residence. Responses to a treatment may vary from patient to patient. Always consult your physician if you have any questions or concerns about your health.