MICS Valve Replacement Surgery

Valve replacement surgery in India: Giving Heart a Second Chance

Heart valve surgery is a procedure used to treat heart valve disease. The main function of a heart valve is to keep the blood flowing in the correct direction.

Our heart has four valves:
● Mitral valve
● Tricuspid valve
● Pulmonary valve
● Aortic valve

These valves have flaps and should open and close once during each heartbeat. However, if one or more valves fail to do so, then a person needs valve replacement surgery. Here we will discuss India’s most famous Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Surgery. This technique can be used for MVR (Mitral Valve Replacement) and AVR (Aortic Valve Replacement) procedures. Let us delve into the details of the procedure and let us know which top hospitals in India perform this procedure.

Why is the Surgery done?

Heart valve surgery is done to treat heart valve disease. There are two types of heart valve problems:
● Stenosis, which is a narrowing of a valve
● A leak in the valve makes the blood flow backward

Symptoms of diseased or damaged valve

Symptoms of damaged or diseased heart valves include:
● Feeling dizzy
● Pain in the chest
● Having trouble breathing
● Feeling palpitations
● Edema (swelling) of the feet, ankles, or belly
● Gaining weight quickly because of fluid retention

Valve Repair Vs. MICS Valve Replacement Surgery

Heart valve surgery comes in two types:

● Valve repair surgery preserves much of the patient’s tissue while fixing the damaged or faulty valve. Mostly mitral valves are repaired, but aortic and tricuspid valves can be repaired too.
● Valve replacement surgery removes the old, faulty valve and replaces it with a new one made from either human tissue or metal.

Types of Valve Replacement Surgery

● Aortic Valve Replacement ( AVR): Aortic valve on the left side of the heart serves as an outflow valve. It lets blood leave the left ventricle, the heart’s main pumping chamber. It also prevents blood from leaking back into the left ventricle. In case of stenosis or regurgitation of the aortic valve, you may require Surgery.

● Mitral Valve Replacement (MVR): The heart’s mitral valve is on the left side. It acts as an inflow valve. It allows blood to flow into the left ventricle from the left atrium. If the valve doesn’t fully open or close, Surgery may be required.

● Double Valve Replacement: A double valve replacement replaces the mitral and aortic valves or the left side. This one has a higher mortality rate than other kinds of surgeries.

Imaging and Lab Tests

Imaging and lab tests required for single valve replacement surgery are:
● TEE
● Cardiac CT Scan
● Cardiac MRI

Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Surgery: Understanding the Details

It involves smaller incisions, advanced imaging techniques, and specialized instruments to access and replace damaged heart valves. This allows surgeons to operate on the heart without having open-heart surgery. Both mitral valve replacement (MVR) and aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgeries can be performed using minimally invasive techniques.

Types of Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Surgery

● TAVR:TAVR stands for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, in which a catheter is threaded through a blood vessel to the heart to position a new artificial valve inside.
● TMVR: It stands for Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement. In this, a catheter is guided through a blood vessel to the heart’s mitral valve to replace it.
● Mini Sternotomy: An aortic or mitral valve replacement is done through a small incision in the upper part of the breastbone.
● Robot-Assisted Heart Valve Surgery is an advanced technology combining minimally invasive techniques. This approach uses robotic arms to improve precision and agility, hence better results.

Before the Surgery

● Ask questions to your healthcare provider related to Surgery.
● Sign a consent form if you agree to the Surgery.
● During a complete medical history and physical exam, your healthcare provider will ensure that you are otherwise healthy before Surgery.
● Before the procedure, fast for 8 hours (without eating or drinking).
● Let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant.
● You should inform your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines, iodine, latex, tape, or anesthetic agents.
● Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of bleeding disorders or are taking anticoagulants (blood-thinning) or aspirin. These medicines have to be stopped four days before Surgery.
● Before Surgery, your healthcare provider may test your blood’s clotting time.
● If you have a pacemaker, let your healthcare provider know.
● Smokers should stop smoking immediately. It improves your chances for successful surgery recovery and overall health.
● Your healthcare provider may request additional preparations if you have a medical condition

During the Surgery

Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered in the operating room to induce unconsciousness and pain relief during Surgery.

Incision: Small incisions are made when performing minimally invasive valve surgery. A small incision (Generally 4-6 cm long) is typically made on the side of the chest (right or left) or in the middle of the chest.

Access to the Heart: The surgeon accesses the heart through a small incision. The rib cage may be moved temporarily for better visualization and access to the heart valves.

Cardiopulmonary Bypass (Heart-Lung Machine): A heart-lung machine controls the heart and lungs during Surgery, allowing the surgeon to halt the heart temporarily.

Replacement of valves: A prosthetic heart valve replaces the diseased valve. A prosthetic valve can either be mechanical (made of durable materials) or biological (usually made of animal tissue).
Analysis and adjustment: The surgeon carefully assesses and adjusts the new valve after installation to ensure proper blood flow and function.

The Restart and Chest Closure: The heart-lung machine will eventually be disconnected, and the heart will restart. Incisions are then closed with sutures or staples.

After The Surgery

● As soon as the Surgery is over, you’ll be shifted to the recovery room and the intensive care unit (ICU).
● Nurses will connect you to machines that will continuously display your electrocardiogram tracing, blood pressure, breathing rate, and oxygen saturation.
● Your throat will be attached to a ventilator until you can breathe independently.
● In case of pain, you’ll get pain medicine.
● You may need IV (intravenous) medicines to control your blood pressure, heart, and bleeding problems.
● You can start drinking liquids as soon as your breathing and stomach tubes are removed. Solid foods can be eaten as soon as you can tolerate them.
● You will be moved from the ICU to a surgical unit upon your healthcare provider’s approval.
● Your activity will gradually increase as you get out of bed and walk around for longer.
● After you are discharged from the hospital, usually 5 – 6 days , your healthcare team will arrange a follow-up appointment.

Mechanical Vs. Biological Valve

● Mechanical valves are created from carbon and polyester that are well tolerated by the human body. They can last between 10 to 20 years. However, if you choose a mechanical valve, you must take blood thinners to reduce the risk of stroke.

● Biological valves, on the other hand, are created from human or animal tissue. They are of three types:
● A homograft made from a human donor heart
● Porcine valve made from pig tissue
● A bovine valve made from cow tissue

These valves do not increase the risk of blood clots, so you do not have to be blood thinners. However, their life is shorter compared to mechanical valves. Your surgeon will recommend the type of valve,

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Replacement Surgery

It offers several advantages over traditional open-heart Surgery:
● A smaller incision
● Shorter hospital stays.
● Less postoperative pain and a faster overall recovery process
● Lower complications, such as bleeding, infection, and blood clots.
● Improved quality of life.

Risks Associated with the Surgery

Risks come with any surgery. There are a few risks associated with heart valve surgery:
● Heart attack.
● Failure of the heart.
● Heart rhythm problems – you might need a pacemaker.
● Stroke.
● Infection.
● Bleeding.

Before your Surgery, your cardiologist and surgeon will discuss these risks with you.

Why India?

India offers affordable, minimally invasive heart valve surgery compared to many Western countries. It depends on the hospital, the surgeon’s fees, the specific technique used, and the patient’s health. Compared to countries like the U.S. or U.K., minimally invasive heart valve surgery in India costs significantly less, so it’s an appealing option for international patients.

Top Hospitals and Doctors doing Heart Valve Replacement in India

How can you avail the best Heart Valve replacement surgery in India-Step By Step process?

Cross Border Care is here for you if you are looking for trustworthy treatment consultants in India. We will help you find the best doctor in India and get your treatment done for JCI-accredited hospitals at the most pocket-friendly rates. Our team includes experienced medical professionals with you at each treatment step. So, if you are planning your valve replacement surgery in India, fill out the form below, and we will help you to choose the best doctor and hospital providing state-of-art-technology.

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