Aortic Heart Valve Replacement Surgery in India
Aortic Heart Valve Replacement Surgery is a type of open heart surgery which is commonly used to treat problems which are associated with the aortic valve of the heart. Aortic valve basically controls the flow of blood moving out from the heart to all parts of the body. Replacement of aortic valve involves removing a damaged or faulty valve & replacing the same with a new one which is made from animal tissue or synthetic materials. However, aortic heart valve replacement surgery is a major operation which is not suitable for everyone. Moreover, this cardiac procedure also involves a long time for recovery following surgery.
Why Undergo Aortic Heart Valve Replacement Surgery?
Aortic heart valve may be required to be replaced for the following two reasons.
- Aortic Stenosis (when the valve has narrowed) – Since the opening of the valve has become smaller, it is obstructing the flow of blood which is moving out of the heart.
- Aortic Regurgitation (when the valve is leaky) – This leaky valve will allow blood to flow back into the heart.
This condition can worsen over time & in severe cases can also lead to life-threatening proportions like heart failure if it is left untreated. Moreover, there are no medicines which can be administered in order to treat aortic heart valve problems, therefore replacing the valve is typically recommended when a patient is at risk of serious complications, but is otherwise healthy enough to undergo surgery.
Aortic Heart Valve Replacement Procedure
Aortic heart valve replacement surgery is usually performed under the influence of general anesthesia. This means that the patient will be asleep during the operation & will not feel any pain which is resulting from surgery. Following steps are also taken as part of this procedure.
- A large incision is made within the patient’s chest in order to access the heart
- The heart of the patient is stopped & a bypass (heart-lung) machine is utilized to take over the job of the heart during the procedure.
- The faulty or damaged aortic valve is surgically removed & replaced with a new one.
- The patient’s heart is restarted & opening in the chest is closed.
This operation normally takes a few hours to complete. Aortic heart valve replacement surgery patients would normally have a discussion with their surgeons prior to the procedure in order to decide whether an animal tissue or synthetic replacement valve is most suitable in particular cases.
Recovery Following Aortic Heart Valve Replacement Surgery
Aortic heart valve replacement surgery patients usually need to stay for about a week after operation, although it may be about 2 – 3 months of time before they fully recover. Patients should therefore take things easy when they first return home, but they can gradually start to return to normal activities over the next few weeks. Patients are usually given specific advice about possible side effects which they can expect during recovery period & about any specific activities which they should avoid. However, they will usually not be able to drive for around 4 – 6 weeks of time & will probably need to keep off from work for about 6 – 12 weeks, generally depending upon the nature of the job.
Risks & Complications Associated with Aortic Heart Valve Replacement Surgery
Aortic heart valve replacement is a big operation & therefore like any other type of surgery carries risk of complications. However, some of the main risks of aortic heart valve replacement surgery include the following.
- Strokes
- Blood Clots
- Heart valve, bladder, lungs or wound (incision) infections
- Reduced kidney function for a few days
- Arrhythmia (temporary irregular heartbeat)
Risk of death associated with aortic heart valve replacement surgery is about 1 – 3 percent, although this percentage of risk is much smaller than having to leave severe aortic valve problems untreated. Moreover, most people who have undergone aortic heart valve replacement surgery will survive & have a life-expectancy which is close to normal.
Alternatives to Aortic Heart Valve Replacement Surgery
Aortic heart valve replacement surgery is one of the most effective treatments for conditions involving aortic valve. Alternative procedures for this condition are only used in cases where open heart surgery is too risky. Some possible alternatives to aortic heart valve replacement surgery include the following.
- TAVI or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantations – The replacement valve is guided to the correct place through blood vessels in this procedure, instead through a large incision within the chest.
- Aortic Valve Balloon Valvuloplasty – The aortic valve is basically widened by using a balloon in this procedure.
- Sutureless Aortic Valve Replacement – The valve in this procedure is not secured using sutures (stitches) in order to minimize time spent on heart-lung bypass machine.
Low Cost Heart Valve Replacement Surgery in India
Over the last few decades, India has successfully emerged as one of the favorite medical tourism destinations for people from all around the world. While cost of surgery has skyrocketed, especially within the western world, India has been able to bring respite by providing a wide spectrum of excellent & affordable procedures to international patients. Featuring an extraordinary pool of expert doctors & surgeons, many of which are globally reputed, India offers high quality of medical procedures which are at par with the best in the world. With many nationally & internationally accredited hospital facilities equipped with the latest technology & adhering to standard norms, Indian healthcare has been able to fill that void which was created by the rising cost of medical procedures within the developed nations. Add to these plus points, most skilled nurses & professional staff managing Indian healthcare institutions are able to converse in English in order to make the international patient feel comfortable.
Avail Affordable Heart Valve Replacement Surgery in India with HealthYatra
HealthYatra is a globally reputed healthcare tourism company providing a wide spectrum of low cost medical procedures including cardiac solutions like aortic heart valve replacement surgery to international tourists. Associated with the best nationally & internationally accredited hospitals in the country, HealthYatra is well placed to pass on cost benefits to people from all around the world seeking healthcare solutions beyond their homeland. Seamless services offered by HealthYatra begin with the first telephonic conversation with the patient & move on to identifying the best surgeon & hospital facility as per requirements of the patient. Other essential services offered include assisting patients obtain medical visas, warm reception when the patient flies in for treatment, convenient local travel arrangements & comfortable accommodation options including budget or luxury hotels or serviced apartments, scheduled appointments for diagnostic tests & medical procedures without any waiting period, exotic recuperative holiday option at reasonable costs, follow-up evaluation checks with doctors & an affectionate farewell when patients fly back home.