You'll be given specific advice about any side effects you can expect while you recover and any activities you should avoid. You won't usually be able to drive for around 4 to 6 weeks and you'll probably need 6 to 12 weeks off work, depending on your job.
Read more about recovering from an aortic valve replacement. An aortic valve replacement is a big operation and, like any type of surgery, carries a risk of complications. Read more about the risks of aortic valve replacement. Read more about the alternatives to an aortic valve replacement. Page last reviewed: 20 December Next review due: 20 December The aortic valve controls the flow of blood out from the heart to the rest of the body. When is it necessary to replace the aortic valve?
The aortic valve may need to be replaced for 2 reasons: the valve has become narrowed aortic stenosis — the opening of the valve becomes smaller, obstructing the flow of blood out of the heart the valve is leaky aortic regurgitation — the valve allows blood to flow back through into the heart The problems can get worse over time and in severe cases can lead to life-threatening problems such as heart failure if left untreated.
Before your surgery, you will receive general anesthesia. You will be asleep and pain-free. To perform the different procedures: Your surgeon may make a 2-inch to 3-inch 5 to 7. The muscles in the area will be divided. This lets the surgeon reach the heart and aortic valve.
Your surgeon may split only the upper portion of your breast bone, allowing exposure to the aortic valve. For robotically-assisted valve surgery, the surgeon makes 2 to 4 tiny cuts in your chest. The surgeon uses a special computer to control robotic arms during the surgery. A 3D view of the heart and aortic valve are displayed on a computer in the operating room. You may need to be on a heart-lung machine for all of these surgeries.
There are two main types of new valves: Mechanical, made of man-made materials, such as titanium or carbon. These valves last the longest. You will need to take blood-thinning medicine, such as warfarin Coumadin , for the rest of your life if you have this type of valve.
Biological, made of human or animal tissue. These valves last 10 to 20 years, but you may not need to take blood thinners for life. Once the new valve is working, your surgeon will: Close the small cut to your heart or aorta Place catheters flexible tubes around your heart to drain fluids that build up Close the surgical cut in your muscles and skin The surgery can take 3 to 6 hours, however, a TAVR procedure is often shorter.
Why the Procedure is Performed. Surgery may be done for these reasons: Changes in your aortic valve are causing major heart symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting spells, or heart failure.
Tests show that changes in your aortic valve are harming the work of your heart. Damage to your heart valve from infection endocarditis. Risks of any surgery are: Bleeding Blood clots in the legs that may travel to the lungs Breathing problems Infection, including in the lungs, kidneys, bladder, chest, or heart valves Reactions to medicines Other risks vary by the person's age.
Some of these risks are: Damage to other organs, nerves, or bones Heart attack, stroke , or death Infection of the new valve Kidney failure Irregular heartbeat that must be treated with medicines or a pacemaker Poor healing of incision Death. Before the Procedure. Always tell your health care provider: If you are or could be pregnant What medicines you are taking, even drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription You may be able to store blood in the blood bank for transfusions during and after your surgery.
Some of them are aspirin, ibuprofen Advil, Motrin , and naproxen Aleve, Naprosyn. If you are taking warfarin Coumadin or clopidogrel Plavix , talk with your surgeon before stopping or changing how you take these drugs.
During the days before your surgery: Ask which medicines you should still take on the day of your surgery. If you smoke, you must stop. Ask your provider for help. Always let your provider know if you have a cold, flu, fever, herpes breakout, or any other illness in the time leading up to your surgery. Prepare your house for when you get home from the hospital. On the day of your surgery: You may be asked not to drink or eat anything after midnight the night before your surgery.
This includes using chewing gum and mints. Rinse your mouth with water if it feels dry. Be careful not to swallow. Take the medicines you have been told to take with a small sip of water.
You will be told when to arrive at the hospital. After the Procedure. Once you are home, recovery takes time. Take it easy, and be patient with yourself. The surgeon watches your heart on a video screen and operates using long-handled surgical tools inserted through small incisions. In some cases, robotic arms are used. Minimally invasive valve repair and replacement is suitable for some types of valvular heart disease, but is only available in some hospitals.
It may also be called endoscopic or robotic heart surgery. TAVI is usually considered for people who are at high risk for complications from open-heart surgery. Your healthcare team will assess your symptoms and overall health to determine if TAVI is an option for you. If you smoke, you should stop at least two weeks before your surgery. Smoking can contribute to blood clotting and breathing problems.
The risks and benefits of the procedure will be explained to you and you will be asked to sign a consent form. At this appointment, tests may include:. Most patients are admitted to the hospital the day before their procedure. The night before, you will be asked to bathe to cleanse or disinfect your skin. Preparation for surgery may include:. Surgical valve repairs and replacements are done under a general anesthetic so you will be asleep throughout the operation.
During conventional surgery, the surgeons will stop your heart while they work on the valve or valves. You will be hooked up to a heart-lung machine that takes over the pumping action of your heart, so that your body continues to receive a flow of oxygen-rich blood.
If you have minimally invasive surgery, your heart will not be stopped and a heart-lung machine will not be used. Your hospital stay will probably be shorter and your recovery quicker than conventional open-heart surgery. Going home. When you return home, keep an eye on your incisions. Some bruising is normal, but contact your doctor if you experience:.
Cardiac rehab is a personalised program of exercise, education and counselling to help you recover from heart valve disease. Rehab will help you regain your strength and reduce your risk of having other heart problems in the future. Talk to your doctor about how to find a program in your area or contact your public health department or hospital.
The Canadian Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation also has a cardiac rehabilitation program directory to help you find a program in your community. Healthy choices can help you manage heart disease. Learn how to:. Watch our valvular heart disease webinar to hear researchers and people living with the disease discuss its causes, symptoms and treatment.
HealthLinkBC also offers resources and information.
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