Heart Double Valve Replacement: Symptoms, Classification, Diagnosis & Recovery

Before undergoing heart double valve surgery, various diagnostic tests are typically performed to assess the condition of the heart and determine the necessity and feasibility of the surgery These tests performed may vary depending on the individual patient's health, medical history, and the recommendations of the healthcare team. These tests help the medical team gather crucial information about the structure and function of the heart valves, as well as overall cardiovascular health. Some common diagnostic tests include:

• Echocardiogram: This ultrasound test provides detailed images of the heart's structure and function, allowing the medical team to assess the condition of the heart valves, including any signs of stenosis or regurgitation.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This test measures the electrical activity of the heart to identify irregularities in heart rhythm and detect any signs of heart damage.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI provides detailed images of the heart's structures and can reveal information about the size and function of the heart chambers and valves.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: This technique uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the heart, helping to assess the anatomy and identify any structural abnormalities.
• Stress Test: This test measures the heart's response to physical exertion and can help assess cardiovascular fitness and identify any exercise-induced abnormalities. Pulmonary Function Tests: These tests assess lung function and help determine if the lungs are healthy enough to withstand the changes associated with heart surgery.

Heart double-valve replacement surgery is conducted under general anesthesia, using either conventional or minimally invasive techniques. In conventional surgery, a sizable incision is made from your neck to your navel. Opting for less invasive surgery can result in a shorter incision, reducing the risk of infection.

To replace a diseased valve successfully, the surgeon requires your heart to be still. This involves placing you on a bypass machine, ensuring blood circulation and lung function during the procedure. Incisions are made into your aorta through which the faulty valves are removed and replaced with new ones. While valve replacement surgery is generally safe, there is a nearly 2 percent risk of mortality associated with the procedure.

Post-surgery, the patient is shifted to the ICU for close monitoring for several days. Blood pressure, ECG tracing, breathing rate, and oxygen levels are closely studied. You may require staying in the hospital for several days after heart valve replacement surgery. With the help of the ventilator, breathing is assisted via a tube inserted in the throat. The breathing machine will be further adjusted as the patient keeps growing stable and once the patient can breathe and cough on their own, the tube is removed.

Along with this, the stomach tube is also removed. Every two hours, a nurse would help the patient take deep breaths and cough. This feels sore but is vital to prevent the accumulation of mucus in the lungs and prevent pneumonia. The patient is taught to hug a pillow tightly while coughing to ease out any discomfort. The patient must express discomfort felt at coughing and medications are suggested accordingly. Slowly fluid intake is initiated and you can gradually increase your daily activities such as walking around the room. After a few days, the patient is shifted to the recovery room where the rest of the recovery takes place before discharge.

You can notify your doctor if you feel swelling and redness around the incision area, fevers, chills, or pain in the area of the incision. You should rest and keep the surgical area as clean as possible at home.