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Heart valve repair information and international destinations
The goal of this procedure is to replace or repair the heart's valves. If a broken or unhealthy valve is left untreated, it may result in serious consequences.
Tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, and aortic valves constitute the heart's four valve types. Every valve has a flap that moves open and shut with every heartbeat. The body's and heart's blood flow is hampered by heart valve disease. Medication can be used to cure minor valve damage. The valve can be repaired or replaced if the damage is serious.
Heart valve repair
The heart valve repair, which is typically performed on congenital valve abnormalities, will maintain the valve and heart function. Reconnecting valve flaps or tightening the ring around the valve are the two steps in the method.
Heart valve replacement
If it is impossible to fix the valve, this approach is advised. The treatment involves replacing the damaged valve with a mechanical or biological valve manufactured from animal tissue or human tissue from a donor.
There are two surgical approaches:
Open surgery
The chest is cut open widely. A heart-lung is used to take over blood flow once the heart has been stopped. The surgeon closes the incision after replacing or repairing the valve.
Minimally invasive procedure
A more recent kind of surgery. The use of a catheter into the arteries, endoscopic techniques, or even robotic surgery may be used by the surgeon.
Contact the board-certified cardiologists abroad for heart valve repair!
Benefits
Improves heart rate
Improves blood pressure
Prevents other conditions
May lengthen the average lifespan
Improves blood pressure
Prevents other conditions
May lengthen the average lifespan
Includes
If a replacement is made: Mechanical or biological valve
Heart valve repair
Procedure:
2 hrs.
Hospital stay: 2 - 4 hrs.
Cleared to fly: 7 - 10 days
Hospital stay: 2 - 4 hrs.
Cleared to fly: 7 - 10 days
After surgery
Out of town patients’ follow-ups are scheduled with the cardiologist after 7 to 10 days of surgery. Patients are clear for flying after 7 - 10 days from the heart valve repair.
Note: Follow-ups can be arranged as face-to-face or virtually. If needed, you can go to your primary care physician to remove sutures or get medication adjustments.
Before and after images
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Locations
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Dr. Mario M. Minghetti
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Heart valve repair frequent questions
Get answers to our most frequently asked questions and what to expect after the surgery.
Am I eligible for valve surgery?
Typically, individuals experiencing valve conditions like abnormal blood flow or irregular heartbeats are candidates for surgery. Occasionally, patients who require valve surgery may not have any symptoms.
What type of surgery do I need?
Open surgery is the most common method performed by surgeons since minimally invasive procedures are relatively new and demand specialized equipment. Certain patients may not be suitable candidates for minimally invasive surgery at all.
How can I get ready for the process?
Your medical history will be reviews by your cardiologist. You’ll need to stop taking some medications. Prior to your procedure, you must stop eating after midnight.
What follows the procedure?
After surgery, you will be brought to a recovery area. On both types of surgeries, you'll spend a few days in the critical care unit.
How long will it take to recover?
It takes at least 10 days for your chest to heal fully after an open surgery, therefore recovery times are longer. Find out from your doctor when you can start working again. Because no significant incisions are created with a minimally invasive surgery, recovery time is often only a few weeks.
Disclaimer: This information does not reflect the medical advice from our clinics. All cases are different and this treatment may not suit you. Always refer to a medical professional with the certification and experience. All of our physicians are fully qualified to perform these procedures. For more information and diagnosis contact one of our top specialized clinics.
In all medical procedures, there are chances of complications, the specialist will provide you detailed information about the risks of the procedure, talk to the specialist directly.
In all medical procedures, there are chances of complications, the specialist will provide you detailed information about the risks of the procedure, talk to the specialist directly.