Valve Sparing Surgery

Valve Sparing Aortic Root Replacement Treatment in Hyderabad

If an aneurysm formation takes place in the aortic root, it may need to be treated with a graft to avert rupture. The aortic valve may need to be replaced when the aneurysm is healed. Our surgeons at the CARE Hospitals in India have specialised training in the complex repair and replacement of aortic root aneurysm-affected valves. 

Our surgeons can perform valve-sparing surgery, which keeps your aortic valve in good working order. We frequently use minimally invasive surgical techniques to treat patients who have been declined surgery by doctors. 

The valve-sparing operation is one such surgical procedure that is carried out to treat the aneurysm. The procedure follows-

• You won’t be allowed to eat or drink anything before the valve-sparing operation. The doctor would ask about the medication and whether or not you should take it. To provide drugs, fluids, and sedatives, an IV will be put into your arm or hand.

• You will be put under anaesthesia in the operating room and will be sleeping during the process.

• To know the status of your heart, your surgeon will create an incision in your chest and separate your breastbone. 

• Your surgeon will make smaller incisions and just partially divide the breastbone by the valve-sparing operation.

• You'll be undergoing a heart-lung bypass machine, which will pump your blood while keeping your heart still during the procedure.

• The aneurysm-affected section of the aorta will be removed, and the vessel will be connected with a graft. 

• Before joining the transplant, your surgeon may repair or reinforce the valve also. 

• Your circulatory system will then be restarted and you will be taken off bypass. The wound will be closed with the breastbone rejoining. 

• You’ll be under observation for the rest of the day to make sure about your health conditions.

Symptoms 

There are a lot of signs and symptoms of why someone would need a valve-sparing operation.

If the symptoms are of thoracic aortic aneurysms; they would be-

• Pain in the jaw

• Pain in the neck

• Pain in the upper back

• Pain in the chest

• Coughing

• Hoarseness

• Difficulty breathing

If the symptoms are of abdominal aortic aneurysms; they would be

• Pulsating enlargement

• tender mass

• Pain in the back

• Pain in the abdomen

• Pain in the groin, not relieved with position change or pain killers

Risks 

There are many risk factors if the aneurysms aren’t treated.

• Age- when a person is over or around 65, they are more prone to thoracic and other aortic aneurysms.

• Tobacco use- is one of the leading risk factors associated with abdominal and related aortic aneurysms.

• High blood pressure- high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels and contribute to the thoracic and related aortic aneurysms.

• Plagues buildup- Fat and other substances can build up around the blood vessels and damage their lining. It is common in older people and causes abdominal aortic aneurysms.

• Family genes and history- Young people can also acquire thoracic and related aortic aneurysms if they have a family history of the same.

• Marfan syndrome and related factors- conditions like Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Marfan syndrome or vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can contribute to the same.

• Bicuspid aortic valve- if you have 2 cusps instead of 3, you’ll be prone to thoracic and related aortic aneurysms.

Risks related to surgery

Every procedure has its own set of risks and concerns, and so does the valve-sparing operation. These may be exclusive if not carried by a medical professional and hence one needs to make sure they’re undergoing the surgery with safe hands. 

Although this operation has minimal complications; the following risk factors are-

• Internal Bleeding

• Infection

• Blood clots

• Stroke 

• The valve may wear out

• Irregular heartbeat 

• Kidney problems 

Diagnosis 

• Medical tests including physical examinations, routine check-ups, ultrasounds, CT scans, and X-ray scans can detect thoracic and related aortic aneurysms.

• One will be required to tell the medical history and previous medications if taken. The family history is also evaluated in the same way.

• If the preliminary examinations confirm the presence of aortic aneurysms, doctors will conduct the secondary examinations to give the suitable treatment.

• These secondary examinations would include screen tests like CT scans and X-rays to know the status of the patients. 

Treatment 

Since the valve-sparing operation is a surgical procedure, many complications and risks can be followed up. Doctors would let you go through with the aftercare plans and how to prevent the surgery from risks. One needs to follow all the necessities and further move for the surgery. 

• It is carried out with the help of a general anaesthetic

• To validate your heart, a big cut (incision) roughly 25cm long is made in your chest. (though a smaller cut may be performed on occasion).

• During the procedure, your heart is stopped and a heart-lung (bypass) machine takes control.

• Your heart is restarted and the opening in your chest is closed after the damaged or malfunctioning valve is removed and replaced.

What are the techniques for valve-sparing aortic root replacement?

There are two primary techniques for valve-sparing aortic root replacement:

• Reimplantation (David Procedure): In this technique, the dilated aortic root is surgically reshaped to accommodate a Dacron graft, which reinforces and stabilizes the aorta. The patient's own aortic valve is then reimplanted within the graft, preserving its function.
• Remodeling (Yacoub Procedure): Also known as the remodeling technique, this procedure involves reshaping the dilated aortic root without removing the native valve. A Dacron graft is used to support the weakened area of the aorta, and the patient's aortic valve is retained in its original position.

Post-operation procedure and what to do during recovery

The post-operative procedure and recovery process following valve-sparing aortic root replacement usually involves several stages and precautions to ensure optimal healing and rehabilitation.

• Follow Doctor's Instructions: Always adhere to the post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon or healthcare team. They will give you specific guidelines tailored to your surgery and medical history.
• Pain Management: Take prescribed pain medications as directed by your doctor. These medications help manage discomfort and promote healing. Follow the recommended dosage and frequency closely.
• Rest and Activity: Balance rest with light activity. Initially, you may need to rest and avoid strenuous activities to allow your body to heal. Gradually increase your activity level as advised by your doctor.
• Wound Care: Proper wound care is essential for preventing infection and promoting healing. Follow your doctor's instructions for cleaning and dressing the surgical site. Keep the area dry and avoid soaking in water until cleared by your doctor.
• Nutrition: Eat a healthy, balanced diet to support recovery and healing. Ensure you're getting adequate nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals. Your doctor may recommend dietary modifications based on your surgery and individual needs.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Adequate hydration supports healing and helps prevent complications such as constipation.
• Physical Therapy: If recommended by your doctor, engage in physical therapy exercises to improve mobility, strength, and flexibility. Physical therapy can be particularly important for surgeries involving joints or muscles.
• Monitor for Complications: Keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage from the surgical site. Also, watch for symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty breathing, which may indicate complications requiring medical attention.
• Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon or healthcare provider. These appointments allow your doctor to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and make adjustments to your treatment plan if necessary.

Why Choose CARE Hospitals in India?

At CARE Hospitals in India, we try to provide services close to home that benefit the entire community. We aim to treat each person as an individual, not a patient, an ailment, or an appointment - it's central to all we do. One passion drives our commitment to education, research, and the people we serve: linking our patients, team members, and communities to their health. 

CARE Hospitals is a state-of-the-art Multi Speciality Hospital with World-Class Medical Infrastructure and an expert team of highly skilled doctors providing Comprehensive Medical Care in various super specialties including Cardiac Sciences. With a long history of trust, more than a decade of experience, we have cutting-edge cardiac treatment methods with new techniques being introduced frequently for the benefit of the patients. The hospital has established itself as a leading and sought medical treatment destination in India for cardiac care.