Here is my first website to begin my research - Medline Plus - Heart Valve Surgery
This procedure has some similarities with my Open Heart Surgery that by-passed my blockages (5 of them) But, there are also new procedures to be aware of to repair a bad valve:
First, what valve?
There are four valves in your heart:
- Aortic valve
- Mitral valve
- Tricuspid valve
- Pulmonary valve
Next, what kind of repair?
If your valve is too damaged, you will need a new valve. This is called valve replacement surgery. Your surgeon will remove your valve and put a new one in place. The main types of new valves are:
- Mechanical -- made of man-made materials, such as metal (stainless steel or titanium) or ceramic. These valves last the longest, but you will need to take blood-thinning medicine, such as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin, for the rest of your life.
- Biological -- made of human or animal tissue. These valves last 12 - 15 years, but you may not need to take blood thinners for life.
- In some cases, surgeons can use your own pulmonary valve to replace the damaged aortic valve. The pulmonary valve is then replaced with an artificial valve (this is called the Ross Procedure). This procedure is ideal for people who do not want to take blood thinners for the rest of their life.
And last, what type of surgery?
In open surgery, the surgeon makes a large surgical cut in your breastbone to reach the heart and aorta. Most people are connected to a heart-lung bypass machine or bypass pump. Your heart is stopped while you are connected to this machine. This machine does the work of your heart while your heart is stopped.
Minimally invasive valve surgery is done through much smaller cuts than open surgery. Several different techniques are used:
- Laparoscopy or endoscopy
- Percutaneous surgery (through the skin)
- Robot-assisted surgery
Let the research begin!
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