The heart has four valves which direct the flow of blood through its chambers and ultimately to the body. This blood should always flow in a forward direction. Sometimes diseases such as rheumatic heart disease, infections, degenerative disease, and heart attacks can disrupt the normal pattern of blood flow. Valves can become narrowed (stenosis) or have backward flow of blood (leaky). Symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, light-headedness, fatigue, swelling of feet, fevers, and shock can occur. Most valve problems are investigated when a heart murmur is heard. An echocardiogram will diagnose a valve problem as well as heart catheterization.
When it is determined that a valve repair or replacement is required, surgeons will evaluate the patient and make recommendations for the type of valve to use. Heart valves are made of either pericardial tissue from a cow (bovine) or pig (porcine) or are made of metal (St. Jude valve). The selection of a valve is based on the patient's age, other health or bleeding problems, irregular heart rhythms, and the patient's decision to take lifelong Coumadin (with metal valves), or short-term or no Coumadin (with tissue valves). Coumadin is a blood thinner medication that prevents blood from clotting around the new valve. A leaky mitral valve can most often be repaired instead of replaced as it is better keep the native valve whenever possible. Valve repair does not require long term Coumadin.
Prior to valve surgery, a dental evaluation should be done if there are any suspicious dental problems such as abscess, loose teeth, cracked or chipped teeth or signs of infection. This is to safeguard against an infection forming on the new valve.
Heart valve surgery takes approximately three to six hours and the hospital stay is anywhere from five to ten days depending on the regulation of Coumadin if required.
Total recovery may be approximately six weeks to three months.
Restrictions include no driving for four weeks and no lifting more than five pounds for six weeks. Close monitoring of blood work is necessary while on Coumadin and this is followed by the cardiologist.
The Surgical Group of South Jersey has several highly experienced surgeons that perform valve surgery at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center in Camden, New Jersey.