Valvular Surgery

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Valvular Surgery

Valvular surgery is a procedure used to treat problems with the valves in your heart. The heart has four valves that help control blood flow in and out of the heart. Sometimes, these valves can become damaged or diseased, which can lead to heart problems. Valvular surgery can help fix these issues by repairing or replacing the damaged valve(s) to restore proper blood flow and heart function.

Why is Valvular Surgery Needed?

Valvular surgery is needed when one or more of your heart valves are not working properly. When a valve is damaged, it can either become too narrow (stenosis) or leak (regurgitation). This can cause the heart to work harder and may lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or fatigue. If left untreated, severe valve problems can lead to heart failure or other serious complications. Surgery helps fix these issues and improves heart function.

How is Valvular Surgery Performed?

Valvular surgery can be done in a couple of different ways:

Valve Repair

When possible, the surgeon will repair the damaged valve. This might involve tightening or reshaping the valve to improve its function.

Valve Replacement

If the valve cannot be repaired, it will be replaced with an artificial valve. There are two types of replacement valves:

  • Mechanical valves: Made from durable materials that last a long time but require the patient to take blood thinners.
  • Biological valves: Made from animal tissue or human donor tissue. These valves do not require blood thinners but may wear out over time.

The surgery can be done through open heart surgery or, in some cases, using a less invasive technique where smaller incisions are made.

What Are the Risks of Valvular Surgery?

As with any surgery, valvular surgery comes with some risks, including:

  • Infection at the surgical site
  • Bleeding
  • Blood clots, which could lead to a stroke
  • Heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)
  • Valve complications, such as the new valve not functioning properly
  • Reactions to anesthesia

However, these risks are generally low, and your doctor will take steps to minimize them. It’s important to discuss these risks with your surgeon before the procedure.

Recovery After Valvular Surgery

After valvular surgery, most patients stay in the hospital for a few days to recover. You will likely need to rest and take medication to help manage pain and prevent infection. Recovery times vary, but most people can return to normal activities within a few weeks to months.

You may need to attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor how well your heart is recovering and to make sure the valve is functioning correctly. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and medications, to ensure long-term health after surgery.

Most patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms after surgery, leading to a better quality of life and improved heart function.

Valvular Surgery in Singapore

If you or a loved one is experiencing heart valve problems, timely treatment is important for better heart health. At O2 Lung Centre, our team of highly skilled cardiothoracic surgeons specialise in valvular surgery, offering personalised care to ensure the best outcomes. Whether it’s valve repair or replacement, we are committed to providing you with advanced treatment options tailored to your needs.