Heart Valve Repair
What is Heart Valve Repair ?
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Why do you need Heart Valve Repair ?
The heart has four valves (mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary) that ensure unidirectional blood flow. Heart valve repair restores valve function without replacing the valve, preserving natural tissue when possible. It is preferred over valve replacement for suitable candidates, as it reduces the need for lifelong anticoagulants and offers better long-term outcomes. Repair is commonly performed for:
- Mitral valve regurgitation: Leaky valve causing backward blood flow.
- Aortic valve stenosis: Narrowed valve obstructing blood flow.
- Congenital defects: Malformed valves present at birth.
- Infective endocarditis: Valve damage from infection.
Why Do Heart Valve Repair Costs Vary in Philippines?
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Heart Valve Repair Procedure
Heart valve repair techniques vary based on the valve, defect severity, and patient’s condition:
- Before Procedure Evaluation:
- Diagnosis is confirmed via echocardiogram (transthoracic or transesophageal), ECG, chest X-ray, or cardiac MRI/CT.
- Coronary angiography may assess associated coronary artery disease.
- Blood tests and consultations evaluate surgical fitness and underlying conditions (e.g., infection, diabetes).
- Repair Techniques:
- Open-Heart Surgery:
- Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 3–5 hours.
- A chest incision (sternotomy) provides access to the heart, using a heart-lung bypass machine to maintain circulation.
- Techniques include:
- Annuloplasty: Tightening or reinforcing the valve’s ring to correct leakage.
- Leaflet repair: Reshaping or patching valve leaflets to improve closure.
- Chordal repair: Replacing or shortening cords in the mitral valve to prevent prolapse.
- Common for mitral or tricuspid valve issues and complex cases.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery:
- Uses smaller incisions (mini-sternotomy or thoracotomy), sometimes with robotic assistance.
- Suitable for select patients (e.g., mitral valve repair), offering faster recovery.
- Performed with or without a bypass machine (off-pump in rare cases).
- Transcatheter Valve Repair:
- A minimally invasive, non-surgical approach for high-risk patients, primarily for mitral regurgitation (e.g., MitraClip procedure).
- A catheter delivers a clip or device through the groin to the heart, clipping valve leaflets to reduce leakage.
- Takes 1–2 hours under general anesthesia or sedation, guided by echocardiography.
- Open-Heart Surgery:
- After Procedure:
- Open-heart surgery patients are monitored in the ICU for 1–3 days, with a hospital stay of 5–7 days.
- Minimally invasive or transcatheter patients stay 2–4 days, with 1 day in the ICU.
- Follow-up echocardiograms ensure proper valve function and heart recovery.
Recovery After Heart Valve Repair
Recovery depends on the procedure and patient’s health:
- Hospital Stay:
- Open-heart surgery requires 5–7 days, including 1–3 days in the ICU.
- Minimally invasive surgery involves 3–5 days, with 1–2 days in the ICU.
- Transcatheter repair patients stay 1–3 days, often discharged within 48 hours.
- Post-Procedure Care:
- Pain is managed with medications (e.g., paracetamol, opioids initially).
- Patients are monitored for arrhythmias, infection, or valve dysfunction.
- Short-term anticoagulants (e.g., heparin) or antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin) may be prescribed, especially for transcatheter repair.
- Rehabilitation:
- Cardiac rehabilitation begins 2–4 weeks post-surgery, including supervised exercise and dietary counseling.
- Light activities resume within days; strenuous activities are avoided for 6–12 weeks (open surgery), 4–6 weeks (minimally invasive), or 1–2 weeks (transcatheter).
- A heart-healthy diet (low salt, low fat) and smoking cessation support recovery.
- Follow-Up:
- Follow-up visits at 1, 3, and 6 months include echocardiograms to confirm valve function.
- Lifelong cardiology check-ups (annually or as advised) monitor heart health, especially for endocarditis prevention.
Most patients resume normal activities within 4–12 weeks, with transcatheter patients recovering fastest (1–4 weeks). Success rates are 95–98% at one year, with excellent long-term outcomes for repaired valves.
Risks and Complications
Heart valve repair is generally safe but carries risks:
- Surgical Risks:
- Bleeding, infection, or arrhythmias during or after open-heart surgery.
- Damage to nearby heart structures (rare).
- Transcatheter Risks:
- Device misplacement or failure (e.g., MitraClip detachment), requiring additional procedures.
- Vascular complications at the catheter insertion site.
- General Risks:
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia or contrast dye.
- Stroke or heart attack, particularly in patients with comorbidities.
- Long-Term Issues:
- Recurrent valve dysfunction, though less common than with replacement.
- Endocarditis, requiring antibiotics before dental procedures.
Prompt reporting of symptoms like chest pain, fever, or shortness of breath ensures timely management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What causes heart valve problems?
Causes include congenital defects, rheumatic fever, endocarditis, aging, or conditions like hypertension or Marfan syndrome.
Is valve repair better than replacement?
Repair preserves natural tissue, reducing anticoagulant needs and offering better long-term outcomes, but suitability depends on the valve and defect.
How long does a repaired valve last?
Repaired valves often function lifelong, though some may require re-intervention after 10–20 years, depending on the patient’s condition.
How soon can I resume normal activities?
Open-heart surgery patients resume activities in 6–12 weeks; minimally invasive takes 4–6 weeks; transcatheter takes 1–4 weeks.
Is heart valve repair covered by insurance in India?
Most insurance plans cover valve repair if medically necessary. Confirm with your provider.
What are the signs of complications post-repair?
Chest pain, fever, irregular heartbeats, or shortness of breath require immediate medical attention.
Can children undergo heart valve repair?
Yes, children with congenital valve defects are treated in pediatric cardiac centers like Apollo Children’s Hospital.
What lifestyle changes are needed post-repair?
Adopt a heart-healthy diet, exercise regularly, quit smoking, and manage stress, diabetes, and hypertension.
Conclusion
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Looking for Best Hospitals for Heart Valve Repair
Note: we are not promoting any hospitals
We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)
- click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
| City | Minimum Price (₱) | Maximum Price (₱) |
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Angeles City |
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Antipolo |
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Bacolod |
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Bacoor |
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Baguio |
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Butuan |
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Cagayan de Oro |
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Caloocan |
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Cebu City |
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Dasmariñas |
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Davao City |
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General Santos |
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General Trias |
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Iligan |
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Iloilo City |
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Las Piñas |
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Makati |
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Malolos |
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Manila |
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Muntinlupa |
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Parañaque |
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Pasay |
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Pasig |
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Puerto Princesa |
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Quezon City |
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San Fernando |
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San Jose del Monte |
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Taguig |
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Valenzuela |
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Zamboanga City |
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Disclaimer
This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.