What is the surgery?

This surgery is an open-heart procedure to remove the poorly functioning (either stenotic or insufficient) valve, and replace it with either a mechanical (synthetic/man-made) or a tissue (biologic/from another organism) valve. The pumping and oxygenation function of the heart is performed by a heart-lung machine during the surgery, and medication (cardioplegia) is given that briefly paralyzes the heart. This way, the heart is completely at rest while the surgeon performs the replacement surgery.

Please note: Patients receiving a mechanical valve replacement will be required to take a blood-thinning medication called Coumadin (an anticoagulant) daily for life to prevent blood clots from forming on the prosthetic valve.

Why is the doctor performing this surgery?

To replace a poorly functioning heart valve. The valve can be stenotic or narrowed and obstructing blood flow. It can also be regurgitant, or floppy and leaky. Properly functioning heart valves are essential to direct the flow of blood thru the heart, and to maintain a normal workload for the heart. The most common heart valves surgically replaced are the mitral valve and the aortic valve.

Where is the surgery performed?

In the Operating Room (OR), under general anesthesia.

How long does this surgery take?

The surgery length of time will vary based on which valve is replaced, the type of replacement valve, the patient's underlying medical condition, etc, but a good estimate for Valve Replacement Surgery is 3-6 hours.

Related Articles Within Our "Healthy Living" Section
Heart Valve Problems
Understanding Heart Valves
Heart Valve Surgery

10/24/2008