Introduction
The heart is one of the most crucial and remarkable organs. It tirelessly pumps blood throughout the body. To perform this function efficiently, the heart relies on four valves that keep the blood moving in the right direction. However, in some instances, the heart valves can become diseased or damaged, hampering their functioning and the overall blood flow in the body.
In these situations, patients might need to undergo the procedure of heart valve replacement, which refers to a surgical procedure in which one or more damaged or diseased valves are replaced with artificial ones. This helps to improve the pumping of blood throughout the body and enhances the individual's overall health. However, it is quite an advancement procedure that requires innovative techniques, equipment, and the expertise of specialists. Park Hospital, as one of the Best heart hospitals in India, ensures that the patients receive advanced treatments and return to their original quality of life.
Why is Heart Valve Replacement Required?
Patients must undergo heart valve replacement when valve repair surgery isn't a treatment option. It is typically required when the functioning of the heart valves is impaired. The conditions that can lead to such problems are as follows:
1. Valve regurgitation: According to the specialists at the Best heart hospitals, this is a condition in which a valve does not close properly, causing blood to leak backwards. Mitral valve regurgitation is one such condition that affects the valve between the ventricle and the left atrium.
2. Valve stenosis: It is a medical condition in which the heart valve narrows, hindering blood flow. One of the common types of valve stenosis is Aortic valve stenosis, which affects the valve between the aorta and the left ventricle.
3. Valve prolapse: The patients might also need to undergo a surgical procedure at any of the heart hospital in Gurgaon for valve prolapse. It is a condition in which the valve leaflet bulges backwards into the heart's upper chamber.
4. Congenital heart defects: People might also need to undergo heart valve replacement surgery in case of congenital disabilities that affect the heart valves.
Types of Heart Valve Replacement
If one or more of your valves aren't working right, you should consult a specialist for the necessary medications or repair it. In more severe cases, when these treatments do not work, the heart valve replacement procedure becomes essential.
When considering the heart valve replacement method at the renowned Heart Hospital in Gurgaon, two main valves are commonly used: biological (tissue) and mechanical. Additionally, with the advancements in technology, nowadays minimally invasive techniques such as transcatheter valve replacement are gaining popularity along with traditional open-heart surgery.
1. Tissue valves: Tissue valves, also known as biological valves, are made of tissues from animals like pigs or cows and sometimes human donor tissue. They are considered a better alternative as they offer a more natural function and feel compared to mechanical valves. They are relatively less durable but function like natural valves, and there is no need for blood-thinning medications if you go for tissue valves.
2. Mechanical valves: These valves are made of durable materials like metal or carbon and designed to work like natural valves. You need to choose the Best heart specialist in Gurugram to ensure that the procedure facilitates its benefits and proves to be a more long-lasting solution and more durable than tissue valves. However, they can lead to a lifelong need for blood-thinning medications for the patients and sometimes cause a clicking sound with each heartbeat.
Additional Points to Consider
1. Minimally Invasive Valve Replacement (MVR): This is an advanced and newer procedure that ensures a less invasive approach to valve replacement surgery. It requires fewer incisions and can be quite suitable for patients depending on their health condition.
2. The Ross procedure: In this unique procedure performed by the Best heart specialist in Gurugram, the surgeon uses the patient's healthy pulmonary valve to replace a diseased aortic valve. Then, the pulmonary valve is replaced with a valve from a human donor called a homograft. This eliminates the need for blood thinners and is more commonly performed in younger patients.
Park Hospital: Expert Procedures for Best Outcomes
The decision to undergo the Heart Valve Replacement surgery is quite a significant one as it is a major operation. However, it can be beneficial in improving the quality of life of patients and their lifespan. However, the patients must search for the Best heart specialist in Gurugram to reduce the risks and complications and achieve the desired results. Park Hospital, with its dedicated team of experts and the availability of innovative equipment, ensures the best treatments at an affordable price and improves the lives of a broad section of the population.