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Heart valves ensure the one-way and regulated flow of blood within the heart, allowing it to pump effectively. If the valves do not open completely (stenosis) or close completely (regurgitation), they can lead to excessive strain on the heart and, over time, heart failure. These conditions usually require surgical intervention.
In treatment, especially for mitral and tricuspid valves, repair methods that preserve the natural structure of the valve are preferred over replacement surgery. Highly successful and gratifying results are obtained with repair in cases of valve insufficiency caused by reasons such as annular dilation, prolapse, or chordal rupture. However, in situations like rheumatic diseases or severe calcification, repair may not be possible due to extensive damage to the valve tissue.
The primary goal of valve repair is to ensure a durability period of 10 years or more. During and after the operation, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) allows for a detailed evaluation of valve functions, making it possible to confirm surgical success before the patient even leaves the operating room. In this process, the experience of the surgical team, along with the anesthesiologist and cardiologist performing the echocardiography, plays a significant role.
When valve repair is not possible, prosthetic valve replacement is inevitable. There are two main types of prosthetic valves:
1. Mechanical (Metal) Valves: These require lifelong use of blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants). If these medications are not used, there is a risk of clot formation on the valve, which can detach and lead to serious circulatory disorders such as stroke.
2. Biological (Tissue) Valves: These require short-term (3-6 months) anticoagulant use. However, biological valves have a limited lifespan; they may lose their function due to calcification and degeneration within approximately 10 years.
Furthermore, replacing a mitral or tricuspid valve with a prosthesis may necessitate cutting the muscles and fibers that attach the valve to the heart. This can negatively impact the heart's overall pumping performance. Therefore, in situations where valve repair is possible and expected to provide long-term physiological benefits, repair is much more advantageous than replacement surgery.
During the recovery period after valve repair, a duration of 3 to 6 months is required for tissue growth over the suture lines and, if present, the supporting ring prosthesis. During this period, anticoagulant medications are used to prevent clot formation, and drug dosage is monitored through regular blood tests. Once this critical period is over, an annual cardiologist check-up and echocardiography control are generally sufficient.
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In treatment, especially for mitral and tricuspid valves, repair methods that preserve the natural structure of the valve are preferred over replacement surgery. Highly successful and gratifying results are obtained with repair in cases of valve insufficiency caused by reasons such as annular dilation, prolapse, or chordal rupture. However, in situations like rheumatic diseases or severe calcification, repair may not be possible due to extensive damage to the valve tissue.
The primary goal of valve repair is to ensure a durability period of 10 years or more. During and after the operation, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) allows for a detailed evaluation of valve functions, making it possible to confirm surgical success before the patient even leaves the operating room. In this process, the experience of the surgical team, along with the anesthesiologist and cardiologist performing the echocardiography, plays a significant role.
When valve repair is not possible, prosthetic valve replacement is inevitable. There are two main types of prosthetic valves:
1. Mechanical (Metal) Valves: These require lifelong use of blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants). If these medications are not used, there is a risk of clot formation on the valve, which can detach and lead to serious circulatory disorders such as stroke.
2. Biological (Tissue) Valves: These require short-term (3-6 months) anticoagulant use. However, biological valves have a limited lifespan; they may lose their function due to calcification and degeneration within approximately 10 years.
Furthermore, replacing a mitral or tricuspid valve with a prosthesis may necessitate cutting the muscles and fibers that attach the valve to the heart. This can negatively impact the heart's overall pumping performance. Therefore, in situations where valve repair is possible and expected to provide long-term physiological benefits, repair is much more advantageous than replacement surgery.
During the recovery period after valve repair, a duration of 3 to 6 months is required for tissue growth over the suture lines and, if present, the supporting ring prosthesis. During this period, anticoagulant medications are used to prevent clot formation, and drug dosage is monitored through regular blood tests. Once this critical period is over, an annual cardiologist check-up and echocardiography control are generally sufficient.