Heart Valve Replacement

Heart Valve Replacement: In What Cases?

Heart valve replacement surgery in Tunisia is recommended in cases of malfunction of one of the heart valves. This procedure replaces the diseased valve, allowing the patient’s heart to resume its normal function. Discover everything you need to know about this procedure, from indications to possible results, including its process and potential risks.

What is Heart Valve Replacement?

The heart has four main valves: the aortic and mitral valves (both located in the left ventricle), and the tricuspid and pulmonary valves (located in the right ventricle); their role is essential because they ensure blood circulation and provide our body with the nutrients and oxygen it needs. The proper functioning of these four valves is crucial for a person’s health. However, in some patients, one of these valves may malfunction due to narrowing (which hinders blood circulation) or a disease such as endocarditis, an infection caused by a proliferation of bacteria on the valves. When the heart valves are affected by various diseases, this is called valvulopathy. In this case, your cardiologist may consider replacing the damaged valve to restore optimal blood circulation in your heart. This replacement can be done with an artificial valve, which can be of biological origin (taken from a calf or a pig) or mechanical (generally made of pyrolytic carbon). Each type of valve has different characteristics, benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to discuss this at length with your surgeon before the procedure. Currently, this procedure is common in the field of heart surgery, and it generally yields positive results.

What is the average cost of a heart valve replacement?

In Tunisia, the prices for heart valve replacement are very advantageous. The packages include all the costs of the procedure in a modern clinic. Packages including accommodation are also possible on request. During your stay, you will be cared for by a team of highly qualified healthcare professionals who will ensure your well-being and recovery. Do not hesitate to contact Tunisia Destination Santé to obtain a quote for a heart valve replacement and start the process now. Don’t wait any longer!

What you need to know before valve replacement?

To be operated on safely, you will need to prepare a complete medical file and undergo a series of examinations. These will confirm the diagnosis and determine if you are a good candidate for the operation. You will need to have a thorough health check-up, blood tests, an electrocardiogram, an X-ray, and other pre-operative examinations that will be communicated to you in due course. You will also need to schedule a meeting with the anesthesiologist before the operation. Other preparations will need to be made before your visit to the operating room, including:

• Stop smoking: It is essential to stop smoking before undergoing surgery, this reduces the risk of infection and promotes optimal healing;
• Be well prepared psychologically: It is crucial to fully understand that this procedure is quite complex and that it presents risks that it is essential to know before undergoing surgery. You should therefore discuss this with your surgeon before the procedure;

What are the Heart Valve Repair Techniques?

Depending on the symptoms and condition of each patient, surgical intervention to repair a valve will sometimes be necessary. After performing several tests, your cardiologist will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and advise you on the need for valve replacement or repair. In the process of repairing heart valves, the following steps are commonly used:

• Annuloplasty: This procedure aims to restore the dimensions of the heart valve, thus allowing adequate blood circulation;
• Valvuloplasty: The balloon valvuloplasty technique helps to unblock an obstructed valve and restore good blood flow;

What are the different heart valve replacement options available?

There are several heart valve replacement options available for patients with defective heart valve problems. It is essential to understand the two main categories of heart valves: mechanical heart valves and biological heart valves. Mechanical heart valves are made from durable materials such as metal or ceramic, giving them exceptional durability. However, they require the permanent use of anticoagulant medications to prevent blood clot formation. On the other hand, biological heart valves are made from animal or human donor tissue and generally do not require lifelong anticoagulant treatment. To determine the best heart valve replacement option, several factors such as the patient’s age, overall health, and the preferences of the surgeon and patient will be considered. The final choice will be based on the type of valve most appropriate for each individual’s unique situation.

How does heart valve replacement surgery work?

The operation is performed under general anesthesia; you will not feel any pain during the entire process. The duration of the procedure will vary depending on its complexity and the necessary surgical procedures, and may sometimes extend over several hours. In most cases, the heart is stopped for the duration of the operation and you will be connected to a heart-lung machine to take over the pumping and oxygenation function of the lungs (extracorporeal circulation). In some patients, however, it is possible to perform this procedure without having to stop the heart. The operation consists of letting the surgeon determine the best procedure to adopt for your case and your type of valvular disease, in order to ensure personalized treatment. To do this, the surgeon makes an incision to access the heart and the defective valve. Once removed, the damaged valve will be replaced with a new one. The surgery ends with the closure of the incision and the application of dressings.

What is the average lifespan of a replacement heart valve?

To estimate the longevity of a replacement heart valve, various factors must be considered, such as the type of valve used and the patient’s medical history. Mechanical valves have the potential to last more than 20 years, or even more in some cases. However, their use requires the constant use of anticoagulants to prevent clot formation. Biological valves, on the other hand, have a shorter lifespan, generally between 10 and 15 years, but can often be used without requiring lifelong anticoagulant treatment. To ensure a long lifespan for the replacement heart valve, it is imperative to discuss the different options with the doctor and make an informed decision. The surgeon will be responsible for choosing the appropriate type of valve, taking into account the patient’s specific needs, overall health, and medical history.

What are the after-effects of heart valve replacement?

Once your procedure is complete, you will be placed in intensive care for one or two days. This step is essential to ensure that no complications arise and to check the status of your health and your heart just after leaving the operating room. Even after leaving intensive care, strict medical monitoring will be maintained for four to five days for your optimal recovery.

What are the results and possible complications following heart valve replacement?

When considering surgery, it is essential to consider the potential risks. These risks include healing problems, bleeding, infections, and possible hemorrhage for patients taking anticoagulants. In the most serious cases, a stroke can occur. However, it is important to note that advances in surgery and modern medical techniques have significantly increased the success rate of these operations, thus reducing the chances of serious complications for patients.

Organizing your heart valve replacement procedure with TDS

The entire TDS team is at your disposal to assist you during the procedures for organizing your medical stay in Tunisia. Let us guide you step by step and provide all the essential information. Do not hesitate to contact us for a quote and for any questions about your stay for heart valve replacement in Tunisia.