Heart Double Valve Replacement Cost in Durban

Double valve surgery is described as a surgical procedure where two heart valves are repaired or replaced during the same operation. The heart has four valves—two atrioventricular valves (mitral and tricuspid) and two semilunar valves (aortic and pulmonary). These valves play a crucial role in ensuring blood flows in the correct direction through the heart. The heart valves play a crucial role in allowing nutrient-rich blood to flow through the heart's chambers. Ideally, each valve should close completely after guiding blood flow. However, when heart valves are diseased, they may not function properly.

Double valve surgery becomes necessary when both the aortic and mitral valves or both the mitral and tricuspid valves are affected by disease or dysfunction. The reasons for double valve surgery include:

Stenosis, which is the narrowing of blood vessels, reduces the normal blood flow to the heart, making the muscle work harder. Leaky valves, known as regurgitation, occur when a valve doesn't close tightly, allowing blood to flow backward. This can lead to symptoms of valvular heart disease, including fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, cyanosis, chest pain, and fluid retention, especially in the lower limbs.

Heart valve repair is an option for treating valvular heart disease, but in some cases where the damage is severe, a total replacement of the affected valve may be the only solution.

There are two main types of replacement valves for treating faulty heart valves: mechanical and biological valves

Mechanical Valves: These are artificial components made from materials like carbon and polyester, well-tolerated by the human body. They serve the same purpose as natural heart valves and have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years. However, a drawback is the risk of blood clots. If you get a mechanical heart valve, you'll need to take blood thinners for life to reduce the risk of stroke.

Biologic Valves (Bioprosthetic Valves): These valves are crafted from human or animal tissue. There are three types:

• Allograft or Homograft: Made from tissue taken from a human donor's heart.
• Porcine Valve: Crafted from pig tissue, it can be implanted with or without a frame (stent).
• Bovine Valve: Made from cow tissue and connected to the heart with silicone rubber.