Conventional surgical approaches to valve repair and replacement have been performed safely and effectively for years. Surgery patients are placed under general anesthetic and the surgeon makes an incision in the chest wall. This system takes over the function of the patient's heart and lungs, providing blood flow to the whole body. During surgery for valve replacement, the surgeon removes the patient's diseased valve and sutures the prosthetic valve in its place. The new valve or newly remodeled valve is tested for proper functioning and cardiopulmonary bypass is discontinued.
Incisions are closed, and the patient is moved to a recovery area.
A smaller incision may lead to a reduced chance of infection, less pain during recovery, and is often more cosmetically appealing because it leaves a smaller scar. Immediately after the operation, you will probably feel drowsy. The next few hours or days are spent in the intensive care unit, where your heart rate, temperature, blood pressure, and other important body signs are monitored. You may be uncomfortable due to the monitoring equipment. Nurses frequently assist you in turning, coughing, and deep breathing during this time to promote a healthy recovery.