Types of Valve Replacement Surgery

Overview

The heart valves are responsible to allow the nutrient rich blood to flow through the heart chambers. Each of the valves is supposed to completely close after ushering in the blood flow however the diseased heart valves aren’t always able to perform this job. The narrowing of blood vessels or stenosis causes a less than normal amount of blood to flow to the heart which causes the muscles to work harder. Leaky valves can also pose a problem. Instead of closing tightly, a valve may remain slightly open letting the blood flow backwards and this is called regurgitation. Though a heart valve repair is a solution for valvular heart disease but in some people, the damage is far too advanced and a total valve replacement is the only treatment option.

Either a mechanical or biological valves are used for replacing the faulty valves. Your doctor will provide recommendation on which type of heart valve to get based on the following criteria:

• your age
• your ability to take anticoagulant medications
• your overall health
• the extent of the disease

Let us now discuss about the types of valve replacement surgery:

Aortic Valve Replacement

The aortic valve which serves as an outflow valve is on the left side of the heart. It allows the blood to leave the left ventricle, the heart’s main pumping chamber. It also closes so that the blood doesn’t leak back into the left ventricle. If you have a congenital defect or disease that causes stenosis or regurgitation then you need an aortic valve replacement.  Bicuspid valve is the most common type of congenital abnormality.

Normally, the aortic valve has three sections of tissue, known as leaflets which is called a tricuspid valve. A defective valve has only two leaflets hence it is called a bicuspid valve. As per a recent studyt, aortic valve replacement surgery has a 94% five-year survival rate. The survival rates depends on your age, overall health, heart function and other medical conditions you have.

Mitral Valve Replacement

Located on the left side of the heart, the mitral valve serves as an inflow valve. It allows the blood from the left atrium to flow into the left ventricle. If the valve doesn’t fully open or close completely then surgery is needed. When the valve is too narrow that can make it difficult for the blood to enter which can cause it to back up hence causing pressure in the lungs. The blood can leak back into the lungs when the valve doesn’t close properly due to a congenital defect, degenerative disease, or infection. The defective valve will be replaced with either a metal artificial valve or a biological valve.

Although the metal valve lasts for a lifetime but you need to take the blood thinners, the biological valve lasts around 15 to 20 years and you won’t be required taking medication that thins your blood. It’s five-year survival rate is about 91% and depends on your age, heart function, overall health and other medical conditions. Talk to doctor to assess your personal risks with aortic valve replacement.

Double Valve Replacement

A double valve replacement involves the replacement of both the mitral and the aortic valve, or the entire left side of the heart. This type of surgery is not as common as the others. Also the mortality rate of double valve replacement is slightly higher.

Pulmonary Valve Replacement

The pulmonary valve replacement separates the pulmonary artery that carries blood to the lungs for oxidation, and the right ventricle that is one of the heart’s chambers. The job of the pulmonary valve is to allow the blood to flow from the heart to the lungs through the pulmonary artery. Hence the need for the pulmonary valve replacement is often due to the stenosis that restricts blood flow. The stenosis may be caused due to infection, congenital defect or carcinoid syndrome.

Bottom Line

Now that you know about the types of valve replacement, talk with your doctor before undergoing the surgery. Follow-up appointments are vital as it helps the doctor to determine when you’re ready to resume your everyday activities. Ask your family members and friends to drive you to your medical appointments during recovery.

You can also read:

Heart Valve Replacement: How to Prepare

Safe & Affordable Heart Valve Replacement in India with Indian Health Guru