Aortic Valve Replacement at Vamsi Heart Care
Understanding Aortic Valve Replacement
Aortic valve replacement is a surgical procedure to treat diseases affecting the aortic valve, one of the heart’s four valves. This procedure replaces a damaged or malfunctioning aortic valve with a synthetic valve or a biological valve from an animal donor. The aortic valve plays a crucial role in controlling blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. When it becomes diseased or damaged, it can lead to serious health issues, including heart failure.
Why Aortic Valve Replacement is Necessary
Several conditions can necessitate aortic valve replacement, including:
Aortic Stenosis: This condition occurs when the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the heart. Symptoms include chest pain, fainting, and shortness of breath.
Aortic Regurgitation: In this condition, the aortic valve does not close properly, causing blood to flow backward into the heart. This can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling of the legs.
Congenital Heart Defects: Some people are born with abnormal aortic valves that need replacement to function correctly.
Types of Aortic Valve Replacement
There are two main types of aortic valve replacements:
Mechanical Valves: Made from durable materials, mechanical valves last a long time but require patients to take blood-thinning medications for life to prevent blood clots.
Biological Valves: These valves, made from animal tissue, tend to wear out over time but generally do not require lifelong blood-thinning medications.
The Aortic Valve Replacement Procedure
Pre-Surgery Assessment: The process begins with a thorough assessment, including diagnostic tests such as echocardiograms, CT scans, and cardiac catheterization to determine the extent of valve damage.
Surgical Procedure: During the surgery, performed under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the heart. The damaged aortic valve is removed and replaced with the chosen valve type. In some cases, minimally invasive techniques are used to reduce recovery time.
Post-Surgery Care: After the procedure, you will stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) for close monitoring. The healthcare team provides comprehensive care, including pain management and monitoring for complications.
Recovery: Recovery from aortic valve replacement involves a hospital stay of several days to a week, followed by a period of rest and rehabilitation at home. Our team provides detailed recovery instructions and schedules follow-up appointments to ensure a full recovery.
Why Choose Vamsi Heart Care?
Experienced Surgeons: Our team, led by Dr. Vamsi Krishna, has extensive experience in performing successful aortic valve replacements.
Advanced Technology: We use state-of-the-art surgical technology to ensure precise and effective procedures.
Comprehensive Care: From pre-surgery consultation to post-operative rehabilitation, we offer a holistic approach to your heart health.
Patient-Centered Approach: We prioritize your comfort and well-being, providing personalized care tailored to your specific needs.