Procedure guide · Cardiac surgery
Heart valve replacement is surgery to replace a damaged heart valve with an artificial one. The NHS explains that the new valve can be mechanical or biological and that the aortic and mitral valves are the ones most often replaced. A cardiac surgeon in India reviews your echocardiogram before advising whether replacement, repair or another approach suits you.
What is heart valve replacement surgery?
The heart has four valves that keep blood flowing in one direction. When a valve becomes too narrow (stenosis) or leaky (regurgitation) the heart has to work harder. The NHS lists aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation among the conditions replacement can treat.
The replacement valve is either mechanical, made of carbon and metal, or biological, made from human or animal tissue. The usual approach is open heart surgery under a general anaesthetic. Sometimes the surgeon works through smaller cuts. In some cases a valve is placed through a thin tube called a catheter passed along a blood vessel. That catheter route for the aortic valve is described in our TAVI guide.
Who may a cardiac surgeon consider for valve replacement?
The NHS says replacement may be recommended for severe valve disease when the valve cannot be repaired. It can ease chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness, palpitations and tiredness. It may also be advised before symptoms appear to stop the heart from weakening.
The NHS also lists other options. Mild disease may need no treatment. Mild or moderate symptoms can often be managed with medicines. Some valves can be repaired in open surgery, with a clip placed by catheter, or widened with a balloon. Your surgeon weighs your valve, your age and your other health conditions. Only they can advise which route and which valve type suit you.
Which reports does a cardiac surgeon usually ask for?
An echocardiogram is the key report for valve disease because it shows how each valve opens and closes. When you request an opinion, ask the hospital whether it needs:
- a recent echocardiogram report and, if possible, the images
- a coronary angiogram if you are older or have chest pain, since some patients need artery work at the same time
- a recent ECG and chest X-ray
- blood tests including kidney function and a full blood count
- details of any blood thinners you take now
- a dental check report, because infections in the mouth matter before valve surgery
How do I plan a valve replacement trip?
The trip moves through a remote review, a written plan and estimate, visas for you and your attendant, admission and checks, surgery, intensive care, the ward and recovery near the hospital. The NHS says hospital stays after valve replacement are typically about a week and full recovery can take two to three months. Your surgeon will tell you when you personally can fly.
Valve type has a lasting effect on daily life. MedlinePlus explains that people with a mechanical valve need blood-thinning medicine for the rest of their lives. Ask before surgery where you will have the blood tests that monitor it at home and who will adjust the dose. Bring an attendant who can learn your medicine routine with you. Make sure your discharge summary records the valve type and size.
What should I ask the hospital before booking?
- Can my valve be repaired rather than replaced?
- Which valve type do you recommend for me, mechanical or biological, and why?
- Will this be open surgery, a smaller-incision operation or a catheter procedure?
- Do I need any coronary artery treatment at the same time?
- What blood thinner will I take afterwards and how should it be monitored at home?
- Will my discharge summary record the exact valve model and size?
Who decides
IndiaMedica does not give medical advice. Your treating specialist decides whether this procedure suits you, the treatment plan, how long you stay and when it is safe to fly.
Questions people ask
Is a mechanical valve better than a biological one?
Neither is right for everyone. The NHS describes mechanical valves as made of carbon and metal and biological valves as made from human or animal tissue. MedlinePlus notes that mechanical valves mean lifelong blood thinners. Your surgeon considers your age, lifestyle, other conditions and plans such as pregnancy before recommending one.
Why does the hospital want a dental check?
Germs from an infected tooth or gum can travel in the blood and settle on heart valves. MedlinePlus advises seeing a dentist to rule out mouth infections before a valve procedure. Ask your dentist for a short written report and send it with your other records.
Sources
- NHS — What is a heart valve replacement?
- NHS — Why heart valve replacement is done and alternatives
- MedlinePlus — Heart valve surgery
- MedlinePlus — Transcatheter aortic valve replacement
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. Your treating specialist decides on suitability, treatment and length of stay. How we write and check.