Valve Surgeries

The common disease which affects valves of the heart are:

• Rheumatic fever

• Degenerative valvular disease

• Infections called Bacterial endocarditis

• Valve leaks after myocardial infarction

Indications for valve replacement:

• Valve stenosis leaks

• Dilated chambers of the heart

• Thrombo embolic episodes

• Severe pulmonary artery hypertension

Types of Valves:

• Mechanical valves (metal)

• Tissue valves (a. Bovine valves b. Porcine valves)

• Dilated chambers of the heart

Advantages of tissue valves:

• No need for lifelong anticoagulation

• Less thromboembolic episodes

Disadvantages of Mechanical valves:

• Will require lifelong anticoagulation

• Thromboembolic phenomenon is very common

Approach to valve surgery:

• Midline central chest incision

• Side incision through chest

Duration of hospital stay – 7 days

Safe surgery with less than 1% mortality rates