When one or more valves of the heart are unable to perform its function properly, surgery is required to be performed. Heart valve replacement is the surgery that is carried out for treating valvular heart disease. The diseased valves are unable to flow the blood properly, hence, they are required to be treated as early as possible.
About The Treatment
1. What is the procedure?
When heart valves are not in the condition to get repaired, Surgeons suggest replacing them. Whether going for conventional or minimally invasive surgery, replacing the heart valve is a risky and time taking procedure. Cardiologist asks the patient to stay in the hospital during and after the treatment. Patients are required to get admitted a day before the surgery and the Surgeons keep a check on the health. The whole procedure of valve replacement is done under general anaesthesia so as to eliminate the pain and uncomfortability.
During the conventional surgery, the patient is hooked to a heart-lung machine and a long incision from neck to the navel is made. The diseased valve is then extracted effectively and replaced with a new one. The whole procedure takes 2 hours or more to be done. This time might vary with the patient, depending on the medical condition and the severity of the heart valve.
In the case of minimally invasive surgery, the heart won’t stop working. Hence, it is less risky and does not take a long time to get healed. Cardiologist replaces the heart valve with a small incision. This takes a shorter time to be performed with a lesser risk of infection.
2. What are the signs and symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of heart disease are generally ignored by the patient. However, it is of utmost importance to notice the symptoms and see a Surgeon. Following are the common symptoms of any heart disease.
- Dizziness
- Pain in Chest
- Lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Fluid Retention (Causing weight gain)
- Swelling in the feet or other parts of the body
If symptoms persist and the discomfort increases, visit the doctor at the earliest. To get more details on Valve replacement surgery in India, connect with the experts of Medinirvana.
3. How is it diagnosed?
A number of diagnostic procedures are performed for evaluating the heart disorder. Before carrying out any test, the cardiologist undergoes a physical evaluation by asking several questions. Based on the understanding of the patient's condition, the following tests are suggested for diagnosing the heart disease.
- Blood Test
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram
- C-Reactive Protein Test
- Angiography
- Radiographic Techniques (Chest X-Ray, CT Scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
4. What are the treatment options available?
To treat the diseased heart valve, the replacement surgery is suggested by the Surgeons. The affected valve is replaced with a new biological or mechanical valve via multiple options that are available. The method that to opt is proposed only after diagnosing the severity of the disease. Following are the treatment options that are available.
- Minimally Invasive Valve Replacement
Unlike intensive replacement procedures, minimally invasive surgery is quite safe as it does not include the opening of the chest or stopping the heart. These procedures are done using the long-handled surgical tools and through the small incision in the heart muscles. Minimally invasive surgery focuses on Pulmonary valve Repairing, Aortic valve Repairing, Mitral Valve Repairing.
- Open Heart Valve Replacement
In open-heart surgery, the heart of the patient is exposed to the treatment. The inner structure of the heart is suggested by the Surgeon including all the valves. In the course of the surgery, a heart-lung machine is being used for the blood flow in the heart of the patient.
- Valvuloplasty
When other options for replacing the heart valve are not apt for the patient, the Surgeon suggests him/her the Valvuloplasty. In this type of surgery, a balloon catheter is inflated in the valve so as to treat the rigid aortic valves. Although it is not the replacement of the valve. However, it maximises the valve capacity, resulting in the greater blood flow.
The cost of valve replacement in India stands approximately at INR. 3,00,000 to 5,00,000. The prices may, however, vary depending upon multiples factors. To know more about it, connect with the experts of Medinirvana.
5. What are Heart Valve Problems and their Causes?
Hearing someone having heart problems can send shivers down the spine. Often the initial signs of heart valve problems are neglected. Owing to the lack of awareness, many people fail to notice their problem in the initial phase. To make things more easy and comprehensive, we have compiled a guide for you that will help you understand heart valve problems and their causes.
To get a fair idea of the cost of heart valve replacement surgery in India, the professionals at Medinirvana can also be contacted. A pioneer in medical tourism in India, Medinirvana provides the best guidance to its patients.
Read along to find more about heart valve problems and its cause.
In many cases, the heart valve problems are first identified by the sound of the heart’s murmur that is inspected by the professionals with the aid of their stethoscope. A murmuring sound like a “whooshing” sound can ring the sound of the alarm and act as an extra click when the valve allows black flow.
The following problems can be identified with the help of murmur-
- Atresia: In this medical condition, the valve t is improperly formed or missing
- Prolapse: The patient in this condition, the valve has improperly closing leaflets.
- Stenosis: When a patient suffers from this, the narrowing or stiffening of the valve prevents enough blood supply from flowing through.
- Regurgitation: In this medical condition, the valves allow blood to flow backward into the chamber
Congenital disabilities are also often the reason behind many heart valve problems. The following congenital disabilities that lead to heart valve problems are-
- Aortic valve stenosis
- Pulmonary valve stenosis
- Ebstein’s anomaly
- Bicuspid aortic valve
India has successfully established itself as a pioneer in medical tourist spots. India houses the best care facility and a group of highly trained professionals. When it comes to the cost of Heart valve replacement surgery in India, it stands approximately Rs.3,00,000 to Rs.5,00,000
Detection of heart valve problems can be of serious concern; however, with proper medical supervision and dedicated guidance, the medical condition can be taken care of. Connect with Medinirvana to get more details and gain access to the best possible medical care.