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Cardiologist

Finding the right cardiologist is important for your heart health.

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A cardiologist is a medical practitioner who has a specialization in diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions of the heart and blood vessels. Finding the right cardiologist is important for your heart health. Learn about the qualities to look for and the questions to ask when choosing a doctor, and get some tips for making an informed decision.

What is Cardiology? 

Cardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with diagnosing and treating disorders of the heart and blood vessels. It involves the study of the structure, function, and diseases of the heart and its associated vessels, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

What is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is any disorder or disease affecting the heart. It is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and many other countries. Common types of heart disease include arrhythmias, coronary artery disease (CAD), congestive heart failure (CHF), and congenital heart defects. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, alcoholism, smoking, and lack of physical activity. Treatment for heart disease may include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery.

Who is a Cardiologist?

A cardiologist is a medical practitioner who has a specialization in diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions of the heart and blood vessels. This includes diseases of the arteries, veins, and valves, as well as congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, and other cardiac conditions. Cardiologists typically perform tests such as echocardiograms, electrocardiograms, and cardiac catheterizations and may also prescribe medications, recommend lifestyle changes, and provide advice to help prevent further heart problems.

When would I need a Cardiologist?  

You may need to see a cardiologist if you have any concerns about your heart; or symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, changes in heart rate or rhythm, palpitations, dizziness, or fatigue. You may also need to see a cardiologist if you have been diagnosed with a heart condition or have a family history of heart disease. Additionally, your doctor may recommend seeing a cardiologist if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

What diseases do Cardiologists treat?

Heart diseases that a cardiologist can help with include:  

  • High blood pressure, or hypertension
  • Coronary Artery Disease– is a type of heart disease that occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked.
  • Congenital Heart Defects– are birth defects that occur when the heart does not develop properly during pregnancy. They are the most common birth defect, affecting about 1 in 100 babies.  
  • Heart Failure– is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Various factors, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, can cause it. 
  • Arrhythmia– is a term used to describe an abnormal or irregular heartbeat. Symptoms may include palpitations, dizziness, and chest pain. 
  • Valvular Diseases– are conditions that affect the valves in the heart, which control blood flow through the heart’s chambers. Common forms include aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and mitral valve prolapse. 
  • Pericarditis- s a condition characterized by inflammation of the pericardium, which is the thin sac that surrounds the heart. It can be caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, as well as certain medications or other medical conditions.
  • Cardiomyopathy– a group of diseases that affect the heart muscle. It is a progressive disorder of the heart muscle, which causes the heart to become weak and unable to pump blood efficiently. 
  • Atherosclerosis- is a chronic, progressive disease of the arteries characterized by the buildup of plaque on the inner arterial walls. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. 

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  • Pulmonary Hypertension- is caused by an increase in blood pressure within the pulmonary arteries, which are the blood vessels that carry blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs. 
  • Atherosclerosis- is a condition in which fatty deposits and calcium build up in the walls of the arteries, causing them to narrow. 
  • Atrial fibrillation is an arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat affecting the heart’s upper chambers (atria). AFib can cause symptoms such as rapid and irregular heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue. 
  • Congestive Heart Disease- is a group of conditions that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. It occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.
  • High blood cholesterol and triglycerides- can be caused by several factors, including an unhealthy diet high in trans fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol; physical inactivity; obesity; smoking; and a family history of high cholesterol. 
  • Ventricular tachycardia- is a medical condition characterized by an abnormally fast heart rate, usually over 100 beats per minute. It is a type of arrhythmia or irregular heart rhythm.

What tests does a Cardiologist use to diagnose heart disease?

A cardiologist may order a variety of tests to diagnose and monitor heart conditions, including: – 

  • Electrocardiogram (EKG)– An electrocardiogram is a test that records the heart’s electrical activity. Read about how EKG is performed. 
  • Echocardiogram (ECG)– An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create a detailed image of the heart. The test helps doctors diagnose and monitor heart disease, heart valve disease, and Structural Heart Disease. Read about Echocardiogram
  • Cardiac catheterization– During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a vein or artery in the arm or leg and then threaded through the body until it reaches the heart. Once in place, the catheter can measure the pressure inside the heart’s chambers, take images of the heart’s structure, and inject dye into the heart’s vessels to check for blockages. 
  • Chest X-ray– A chest X-ray is a medical imaging test that uses X-rays to create pictures of the structures inside the chest, including the lungs, heart, blood vessels, and other organs. 
  • Cardiac MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)– Cardiac MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique used to assess the structure and function of the heart. Cardiac MRI can identify and diagnose heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, and congenital heart defects. 
  • Cardiac CT (computed tomography)– Cardiac CT is a medical imaging technique that uses specialized x-ray equipment and computer technology to create detailed pictures of the heart and its blood vessels. It can also detect abnormalities in the heart valves, evaluate the heart muscle, and diagnose other heart conditions.

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  • Coronary angiogram– A coronary angiogram uses a contrast dye to take pictures of the arteries. The dye allows the arteries to be seen on x-ray images. The images help the doctor identify any narrowing or blockage in the arteries. 
  • Stress tests– A heart stress test (also known as an exercise stress test) is a cardiological test that measures the heart’s ability to respond to external stress in a controlled clinical environment. The test is usually performed on a treadmill or a stationary bike. 
  • Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)– In a Transesophageal echocardiogram, an ultrasound probe is inserted into the patient’s esophagus. This probe produces sound waves that bounce off the structures of the heart and return to the probe, creating an image of the heart and surrounding structures. 
  • Holter monitor– A Holter monitor is a small, battery-operated device that continuously records the electrical activity of a person’s heart. It is used to diagnose various cardiac conditions, such as arrhythmias, and to monitor the effectiveness of treatments. 
  • Event monitor– A heart event monitor is a device that records a patient’s heart activity (electrocardiogram) over some time. The monitor consists of adhesive electrodes that are placed on your chest, and it records the electrical signals that are generated by your heart. It is used to detect and diagnose arrhythmias or abnormal heartbeats. 
  • Implantable event recorder/implantable loop recorder– An implantable event recorder is a small device placed under your skin in your chest or abdomen. It monitors your heart rhythm and records it on a small memory chip. Your doctor can retrieve the recorded data from the device and use it to diagnose and treat any problems with your heart. 

Types of Cardiologists  

Cardiologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. Types of cardiologists include:   

  • Interventional Cardiologist: A doctor who performs minimally invasive procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, and balloon valvuloplasty.  
  • Electrophysiologist: A doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, and tachycardia.  
  • Clinical Cardiologist: A doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and valvular heart disease.  
  • Pediatric Cardiologist: A doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating children’s congenital and acquired heart conditions.  
  • Preventive Cardiologist: A doctor specializing in preventive care and risk factor management.  
  • Transplant Cardiologist: A doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating heart failure and other cardiac conditions requiring a heart transplant.

Best Cardiologists in India  

  • Dr. Naresh Trehan, Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon- a world-renowned cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgeon 
  • Dr. Ashok Seth– Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi- an Indian interventional cardiologist credited with the performance of over 50,000 angiograms and 20,000 angioplasties
  • Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty– Chairman and Senior Consultant Cardiac Surgeon. Narayana Hrudayalaya Limited. An active member of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery.
  • Dr. Vivek Jawali -Chairman of Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Council, Fortis Healthcare Ltd, Bangalore. A pioneer of minimally invasive cardiac surgery in India. Performed more than 30,000 Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeries.
  • Dr. Murugu Sundara Pandiyan– cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon at Gleneagles Global Hospitals, Chennai- performed 3500+ adult, pediatric, thoracic, and aortic surgeries.
  • Dr. Tarlochan Singh Kler– Paediatric Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram. He performed more than 25,000 coronary, renal, carotid & peripheral angioplasties.
  • Dr. Sandeep Attawar– Founder of the Thoracic organ transplant Program at KIMS Institute of Heart, Secunderabad. Performed close to 217 thoracic organ transplants (including 134 Double lung transplants) 
  • Dr. Ajay Kaul- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon, heart transplant expert at Fortis Hospital, Noida. Performed over 5000 Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgical procedures.
  • Dr. Sudhanshu Bhattacharyya- Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Reliance hospital Mumbai. Dr. Bhattacharya has invented, designed, and patented a few surgical instruments, like, Atrial Retractor for Mitral Valve Replacement and Internal Mammary Artery Retractor for taking down bilateral Internal Mammary Arteries.
  • Dr. Yugal Kishore Mishra– Chief Cardio Vascular Surgeon at Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, Delhi. Performed over 14,000 open heart surgery and 500 robotic surgeries.
  • Dr. Robert Coelho– Paediatric Cardiac Surgeon at MIOT International, Chennai 

References

  • Sherman, Shantella. “Congestive Heart Failure Hits Young.” The Charlotte Post, vol. 40, no. 25, Charlotte Post Publishing Co., 26 Feb. 2015, p. 1B.

Innovative Treatment Approach in Cardiology

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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, with around 17.9 million people succumbing to it every year. CVD comprises a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels. The well–known types of CVD include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease, stroke, and so on. It is also the major contributor to disability and requires long–term treatment for its management. 

CVDs were treated using standard surgical procedures and drugs in the past, but these have now undergone a revolutionary change to improve patients’ quality of living.

Innovative Treatment Approach in Cardiology- Technological development in the past few decades has led to advances in the management of CVD to address the growing challenge of CVD.

Read more about cardiovascular disorders

Some of the noteworthy innovative treatment approaches that have recently come into existence are-

1. Miniature Ventricular Assist Device: 

This ventricular assist device (VAD) was developed to prolong patients’ lives and improve their quality of living until a heart donor is found. In contrast to the earlier versions that were bulky and required the patients to ambulate with heavy, large external batteries, this VAD has several revolutionary improvements. It has better battery reliability, smaller size, and wireless charging technologies making it physically unnoticeable.

2. Organ Conformal Electronics :

These are flexible, stretchy electronic devices that comprise various sensors and transducers to diagnose and treat heart malfunctions. They help monitor multiple parameters to monitor and regulate cardiac tissue functions by following the shape of the epicardium or endocardium.

3. Mitral Valve Modulation and Repair:

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair (TMVR) is a rapidly expanding technology that can become alternatives to surgery for patients with mitral regurgitation. TMVR devices are differentiated based on the portion of the valve they are intended to repair. Although these devices seem promising by offering a minimally invasive approach, their long–term sustainability and effectiveness are yet to be determined.

4. Cardiac Decellularization and Engineered Heart Tissue:

Another promising novel approach that has is emerging nowadays is the use of tissue regeneration techniques to treat heart diseases. This technique employs scaffolds (biomaterials needed for attachment to human cells and support), cells, and appropriate growth factors to reconstruct new tissues. However, the major challenge of this approach is the generation of the ideal scaffold. A decellularized heart composed of a native extracellular matrix is the best natural scaffold that offers the desired physical and chemical signals needed for cardiac functioning.

5. Small, Portable Extracorporeal oxygenation (ECMO) Devices :

These small devices are used as a bridge option for patients recovering from heart failure or heart surgery. It generally provides ventilatory support in critical cases, but newer devices are now aimed at providing both ventilator and circulatory support. ECMO devices are of great value to patients with hemodynamic compromise, especially if the intra – aortic balloon pump is unsuitable.

6. Innovative Treatment Approach in Cardiology-Engineered Heart Valve:

As the name suggests, these valves are made using an in situ tissue engineering approach. Owing to the global burden of congenital or acquired valve defects, bioprosthetic or mechanical valves were developed. These, however, have their limitations, mainly when used in pediatric patients who continue to grow. A tissue-engineered heart valve, in contrast, can serve as an attractive alternative to such patients as they grow and last a lifetime by acting as a living implant. This cardiac technology is currently under development, with preclinical studies being carried out at different global sites.

7. Artificial Intelligence to Predict Cardiac Arrhythmias:

Rhythm disorders of the heart have been widely treated using implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). Albeit this, it is still challenging to determine which patients will benefit from these devices. In patients without ICDs, external defibrillatory shocks are used to restore the heart rhythm shortly after the onset of the episode. Despite this, predicting the upcoming life-threatening arrhythmias still poses a challenge. However, with the development of computational tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), this could be possible. The use of machine learning-based diagnostics in cardiology and wearable cardiac monitoring devices and the implementation of AI in this field are currently being explored for preventive and therapeutic interventions.

8. Magnetic Navigation and Robotic Systems:

Targeting the appropriate causative tissue to destroy them in catheter ablation is difficult due to the constraints in the technological advancements in this area. This subsequently increases the patient’s exposure time to radiation during the ablation procedure. However, the use of electrophysiologic mapping together with robotic navigation systems can lead to more precise ablation procedures even in complex cases. 

9. Pluripotent Stem Cells and Transdifferentiated Cardiomyocytes:

Innovative Treatment Approach in Cardiology- Cardiac devices, albeit being plenty in number, suffer from some major drawbacks. These include the need for battery replacement, lead failure, infections, and limited applicability in young patients. However, the use of pluripotent stem cells technologies and transdifferentiation approaches in place of these devices could seem more promising, especially in treating bradyarrhythmias and heart failure. Read more about Arrhythmia: When the heart rhythm goes for a toss!

These approaches are currently undergoing preclinical studies, but further studies to validate their long–term safety and graft survival need to be conducted before considering these as an alternative for electrical cardiac pacemakers.

10. App to prevent stroke – FibriCheck:

This is the first smartphone app that has received the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval to detect heart rhythm disorder. It helps to prevent stroke by detecting atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm disorders by using a smartphone or a smartwatch. This app measures the patient’s heart rhythm per minute, and a detailed report of this followed by the immediate actionable results are also provided. It also enables the users to track their heart rhythm history and look back at how it has changed over a set period. FibriCheck was co – founded by Bieke Van Gorp and Lars Grieten in Belgium.

11. Cardiac implant to treat strokes:

Ireland – based company, AuriGen Medical, has developed a cardiac implant to treat both the stroke and arrhythmia associated with persistent atrial fibrillation. It employs single-use sensors and software algorithms to provide feedback on the quality of ablation cardiac treatment needed to correct certain types of abnormal heart rhythms. The first human trials of this device began in 2020 by using the funding obtained as a part of the EIT Health–supported fellowship program.

12. Software-based stroke rehabilitation therapy – Vigo:

Vigo is a digital rehabilitation program for stroke victims. It is an individualized program, including physio and speech therapy and an exercise plan to enable a faster recovery time. This software provides the user important information about life after stroke, emotional support. It equips them with the skills they may need to tackle people’s many challenges after a stroke. It also offers psychotherapy tools based on counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy.

13. Novel surgical approaches:

  • Transvaal TAVR –

Unlike the traditional transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), the transcaval TAVR uses the vein to guide the catheter rather than the artery. The wire and the small catheter travel to the abdominal area. The catheter creates a passageway between the now–dilated vein and the main artery to pass the new valve’s sheath for the replacement to occur.

  • MitraClip –

This device is a less invasive option for patients with mitral regurgitation who are too sick to opt for open-heart surgery. It is delivered to the left ventricle of the heart via a catheter, where the clip is positioned to ensure that it grasps the valve’s leaflets and controls blood flow.

  • IN.PACT –

IN.PACT Admiral drug-coated balloon is a breakthrough approach in treating peripheral artery disease in the upper leg. Angioplasty done using this balloon provides significantly better outcomes as the balloon delivers a drug to the artery walls to prevent the artery from narrowing again.

Conclusion :

Innovative Treatment Approach in Cardiology- Technological advancements in the last 25 years have created a significant impact in the field of cardiology. This has changed how CVDs are treated, making them simplified and economical. However, these innovative advancements have not yet come to fruition, as many more therapeutic approaches are currently under development. All in all, it can be said with certainty that several cutting–edge advancements in the field of cardiology will be witnessed in the coming years. These will aid in putting the innovation in the hands of those who may benefit.

References : [1], [2] [3] 

Pediatric Cardiac Surgery in India: Heart Surgery in Children

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Pediatric cardiac surgery is a surgical procedure done to repair heart defects in children and ensure their wellbeing. These could be congenital; that is, the child could be born with them or develop in a child after birth.

A single surgery may often be enough to repair the heart defect, but sometimes, a series of procedures may be required for this purpose. The most commonly performed pediatric cardiac surgeries are –

  • Open – heart surgery
  • Thoracotomy or closed–heart surgery
  • Complete intracardiac repair
  • Heart valve repair and replacement
  • Staged reconstructive surgery

Do you know how serious is Congenital Heart Disease? the estimated number of children born with congenital heart disease in India is more than 200,000 per year.

Indian Pediatr. 2018 Dec 15

How is Pediatric Cardiac Surgery performed? :

Open–heart surgery is the major invasive procedure that is done to repair heart defects in children. During this surgery, the child is anesthetized, and an incision is made through the breastbone or sternum. The child is then connected to a heart-lung bypass machine that pumps oxygenated blood throughout the child’s body while the heart is repaired. By using this machine, the surgeon can stop the heart till the completion of the procedure. Usually, the surgeon repairs the heart muscle itself, the heart valves, or the blood vessels outside the heart during this surgery and finally removes the machine and closes the skin incision made near the breastbone.

In contrast to this surgery, closed heart surgery is done via incisions made from the side, between the ribs. It doesn’t involve using a heart-lung bypass machine, but the surgeon may use some special instruments and a camera occasionally. Most cardiac surgeries are done only once to rectify the heart defect. However, if the child is born with many types of ventricle heart defects, then a series of procedures, usually three, are done to correct this. It is called “staged reconstructive surgery.” In this surgery, the baby’s heart and circulatory system are reconfigured, starting from several days of birth to 1.5 to 3 years of birth. 

Why is Pediatric Cardiac Surgery performed? :

Pediatric cardiac surgeries are typically done to treat congenital heart defects and other rare heart conditions in pediatric patients of all ages.

Very few heart defects demand immediate surgical repair, while cardiologists can manage other conditions with medicines and lifestyle changes for some years. Surgery is generally opted for when the child experiences difficulty breathing, such as when the lungs get congested, has blue or gray skin, nails or hypoxia, and has abnormal heart rhythms.

Some of the heart conditions that require these surgeries are :

  • Aortopulmonary window
  • Atrial and ventricular septal defects
  • Coarctation of the aorta
  • Cor triatriatum
  • Double outlet right ventricle
  • Coronary fistulas
  • Ebstein’s anomaly
  • Heart tumors
  • Mitral valve stenosis and regurgitation
  • Patent ductus arteriosus
  • Pulmonary valve stenosis and regurgitation
  • Single ventricle disease
  • Tetralogy of Fallot
  • Truncus arteriosus
  • Valve repair

Are there any risks involved in it? :

Pediatric cardiac surgery is associated with severe complications such as bleeding, blood clots (thrombi), pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, infections, breathing problems, systemic inflammation, arrhythmias, heart attack, stroke, seizure, and even death cases. 

FAQs: Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

  1. What are preparations required from the patient?

The child is thoroughly examined by the cardiologist and cardiac surgeon for preoperative testing. It is done by carrying out chest x – rays, echocardiogram, electrocardiogram (ECG), cardiac catheterization, and blood tests. The parent/ guardian and the child are generally expected to come to the hospital a week before the day of the surgery for counseling. Consult with the physician to know what medications the child can take before the surgery, especially if they are taking blood thinners. The child is often asked to avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before the surgery.

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  1. How long does it take?

The child will be admitted the day before or the morning of the surgery and will typically stay in the hospital till the child recovers completely. The duration of pediatric cardiac surgery depends on the child’s heart condition and the procedure that is being performed. The commonly performed pediatric open-heart surgery usually takes around 3 to 6 hours to complete.  

  1. Who performs it?

Pediatric cardiac surgery is performed by a team of healthcare professionals, including cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, pediatric anesthesiologists, intensive care specialists, perfusionists (specially trained individuals who operate the heart-lung machine), and nurses.

  1. How much does it cost?

It generally costs around INR 1.5 L to 3 L to get a pediatric open-heart surgery done in India.

  1. When can I go home after the procedure?

Most children who get open–heart surgery stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) for 2 to 4 days after the surgery and hospitalization for about seven days after leaving the ICU. Following this, they are allowed to go home but are instructed to rest for a few weeks before going back to their routine.   

Consult a Pediatric Cardiologists in India

How is Valve Replacement Surgery performed?

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The human heart has four pumping chambers, two atria, and two ventricles. Between these chambers, four valves are situated for the unidirectional flow of blood through the heart. These are the tricuspid valve, pulmonary valve, mitral valve, and aortic valve. When these valves become damaged or diseased, they do not work correctly, forcing the heart to pump harder. In such cases, the diseased valves are either surgically repaired or replaced by mechanical or biological valves. This procedure is called “valve replacement surgery” and is typically done to treat any life-threatening valve disease.

How is Valve Replacement Surgery performed? :

Open-heart surgery is usually done for replacing diseased valves in the patient. During this surgery, the patient will be connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine for monitoring their heart’s rhythm and electrical activity throughout the surgery. The patient will then be anesthetized and, once completely asleep, they will be connected to a respirator by inserting a tube down the windpipe. [1] 

Another tube will then be inserted into the stomach via the nose and down the throat to prevent the accumulation of liquid and air in the abdomen during the surgery. A catheter will also be inserted into the bladder to collect any urine produced during the operation. Following this, the patient is connected to a heart-lung bypass machine to keep the oxygen-rich blood flowing through the body while the heart is stopped. After hooking the patient to this machine, the heart is stopped and cooled. [2]

The surgeon then cuts the aorta or heart depending on the valve being replaced and removes the diseased valve. An artificial valve will then be placed in this area. The surgeon then shocks the heart with small paddles to restart the heartbeat. The blood flowing through the bypass machine will be directed towards the heart. After this, the patient is disconnected from the machine. [3], [4], [5] 

Why are these performed? :

This surgery is typically done if there is a

backward flow of blood (regurgitation). It is due to improper closure of the valves. Or if the blood flow is restricted due to inadequate opening of the valves (stenosis). Heart valves that have been damaged by infection (endocarditis), diseased, or have defects. That gives rise to heart symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, syncope, or heart failure are treated using this surgery. Some of the other heart valve problems that are generally treated by heart valve surgeries are –

  • Aortic stenosis
  • Congenital heart valve disease
  • Pulmonary stenosis
  • Mitral regurgitation – acute and chronic
  • Tricuspid valve stenosis
  • Tricuspid regurgitation

Read more about other Cardiac Disorders.

What are the different types of Heart Valve Replacement Surgeries? :

The different types of valve replacement surgeries are as follows –

  • Transcatheter Aortic valve replacement (TAVR) – This is a minimally invasive procedure used to replace the aortic valve that serves to carry blood out of the left ventricle.
  • Mitral valve replacement – In this surgery, the defective mitral valve is replaced with either an artificial metal valve or a biological valve to allow the proper blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle.
  • Double valve replacement – This surgery is done to replace both the aortic and mitral valves situated on the left side of the heart.
  • Pulmonary valve replacement – This is typically done to replace the pulmonary valve due to stenosis caused by a congenital defect, infection, or carcinoid syndrome.
  • Bioprosthetic valve replacement – This procedure is used to implant a second valve if the first tissue replacement valve has worn out. It is also a minimally invasive approach.

Are there any risks involved in it? :

The possible risks of heart valve replacement surgery are bleeding during or after the surgery, blood clots, infection, pneumonia, pancreatitis, breathing problems, arrhythmias, heart attack, stroke, lung problems, and even death.

FAQs: Valve Replacement Surgery

  1. What are preparations required from the patient? Before the srugery, the patient is expected to review all the medications with the surgeon. The doctor may ask to discontinue them if needed. Before the surgery, the patient will be asked to take ECG, blood tests, urine tests, and chest x – rays. The patient is instructed to stop smoking for at least two weeks before the surgery. They need to bathe the night before the surgery. 
  2. How long does it take? The heart valve replacement surgery can take around 2 to 4 hours or more to complete. The duration depends on the number of valves being replaced.
  1. Who performs it?

Cardiac surgeons, together with perfusionists, intensive care specialists, anesthesiologists, and nurses, will perform this surgery.

  1. How much does it cost?

The cost of a heart valve replacement surgery lies around INR 2.5 L to 8.5 L in India.

  1. When can I go home after the procedure?

You need to stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) for at least 1 to 3 days. The overall hospitalization is for about seven days. You will be discharged after this period but will usually be asked to limit your activities for a few weeks.