Youll Play A Key Role In Managing Your Pain
Post-surgical pain is unavoidable but can be managed in a variety of ways. Because of recent national legislation changes, physicians can prescribe no more than a seven-day supply of opioids to patients at the time of their hospital discharge.
Weaning yourself off opioids as soon as possible is important. You may need less than a seven-day supply, depending on your condition. Some patients do not require any opioids for pain management.
Other options for pain management include:
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Oral and topical analgesics such as acetaminophen and Salonpas patches
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Applying a warm cloth to the area, using caution near the incision because nerve sensitivity may be decreased, causing the skin to burn
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Relaxation techniques such as meditation and guided imagery
If you are on long-term opioids, you should meet with your prescribing physician to begin to wean down to the lowest dose possible before surgery.
Comparison With Existing Literature
The expected survival of symptomatic patients with severe AS who do not have surgery is 14years., Surgical AVR improves this dismal prognosis and, as we have shown in the present study, restores survival to that expected of an age-matched and gender-matched general population without AS at least up to 8years of follow-up.
Our findings are consistent with previous reports by high-volume centres undertaking AVR in elderly patients. A report published using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database of over 145000 patients from over 1000 US centres found a median survival of 13, 9 and 6years in patients undergoing isolated AVR aged 6569, 7079 and 80years of age, respectively. For patients undergoing AVR+CABG, median survival for the same age groups was 10, 8 and 6years. Similarly, baseline CKD, severely impaired LVF and being a current smoker have all been associated with poor long-term survival following surgical AVR.,
Data Abstraction And Quality Assessment
In general, two reviewers independently extracted the study information, including study author, publication year, study period and design, location, inclusion criteria of age, sample size, follow-up duration, and patients characteristics. Early outcomes in this meta-analysis were 30-day mortality, duration of postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications. Late outcomes included 1- and 5-year survival and reoperation during follow-up. Methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale , with the following three main aspects: study group selection, comparability between groups, and ascertainment of outcomes . A study with a NOS score of 7 or higher was regarded as of high quality. Any disagreements in data collection and quality evaluation were settled by consensus between the two reviewers or discussion with a third reviewer .
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How Long Does It Take To Recover From Heart Valve Surgery
It takes about four to eight weeks to recover from heart valve surgery. But your recovery may be shorter if you had minimally invasive surgery or surgery through a vein.
The way you feel after surgery depends on:
- Which valve was repaired or replaced.
- Your overall health before the surgery.
- Which method your provider used to get to your heart .
- How the surgery went.
- How well you take care of yourself after surgery.
You can expect to get tired easily for the first three weeks after surgery.
Dont drive for a few weeks after surgery.
Dont handle anything that weighs more than 15 pounds for the first six to eight weeks after surgery.
What Is The Life Expectancy After Heart Valve Replacement
There isnt a hard-and-fast rule for how heart valve replacement will impact your health. The success of any surgical operation depends on your unique case your health going into the operation, the process itself and how you recover afterward. But research trends can tell us a little bit about the immediate and long-term effects of common surgical techniques.
One study published in the Journal of Cardiac Surgery examined the success of heart valve replacement at age 85 and up. It found that open heart surgery can be performed in patients 85 years and older with good results though elderly patients are associated with prolonged hospital stay. However, some risk factors can make this less likely, including having severely weakened heart valves pre-surgery.
Open heart surgery isnt the only way to replace a valve for aortic stenosis patients, theres also transcatheter aortic-valve implantation. This is a less invasive technique that could be more appropriate for older patients. It reaches the heart through a major artery instead of requiring more serious surgery. According to researchers, this technique doubles survival rates within the first year compared to living without valve replacement.
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What Are The Implications
This large review indicates that bioprosthetic valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis is safe and gives survival outcomes comparable to the general population without aortic stenosis.
The long-term deterioration of the valves suggests a need for regular monitoring to identify people who may require a further valve replacement, especially after ten years.
Comparable data on long-term patient outcomes following surgical mechanical valve replacement or transcatheter approaches would be valuable.
Life Expectancy After Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement
Original Investigation
Department of Cardiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
Department of Cardiovascular Research, Dedinje Cardiovascular Institute, Belgrade, Serbia
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Department of Cardiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
Department of Cardiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Recovery After Mitral Valve Repair
Most mitral valve surgeries repair rather than replace the valve by making it close more tightly so you do not have mitral regurgitation, when blood leaks from one chamber to another. In some people, the valve has become stiff or narrow, and surgeons can widen it so it works more efficiently.
Generally, a mitral valve repair requires open heart surgery, which is an extensive procedure. Some people may be candidates for a less invasive procedure, using smaller incisions, which generally has a quicker recovery.
In most people, recovery ranges from 4 to 8 weeks. After surgery, youll be closely monitored for a few days in the hospitals intensive care unit . You can receive pain medication to alleviate discomfort from the incision and other pains you may have in your chest or upper body because of the operation. Youll be asked to cough to clear your lungs, which may also be uncomfortable. These symptoms will improve in the weeks after the operation.
When you are ready to go home, you will be given instructions on what to do and what not to do. Refrain from lifting heavy objects or overexerting your upper body, and follow your doctors advice on the amount of exercise you can do to start to rebuild your strength. You may notice that you tire easily, but after several weeks, you should start to feel better. If you had fatigue or shortness of breath before your operation, they should diminish.
Will I Need To Take Blood
The need for anticoagulant medication after surgery depends on the type of surgery you have. The medication prevents blood clots from forming and causing problems with your heart valve. Currently, warfarin is the only approved blood thinner for mechanical heart valves.
If you have a mechanical heart valve, youll need to take this medication for the rest of your life.
If you have valve repair or a biological valve replacement, you may need to take this medication for several weeks after surgery, or maybe not at all.
You may need to take an anticoagulant for a condition not related to your heart valves. This medication also treats:
- An irregular heartbeat.
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Surgical Options For Valve Replacement Include:
- Mechanical valve a long-lasting valve made of durable materials
- Ross ProcedureBorrowing your healthy valve and moving it into the position of the damaged valve aortic valve and replacing the borrowed valve with a new valve.
- TAVI/TAVR procedureTranscatheter aortic valve implantation/transcatheter aortic valve replacement
The procedure chosen will depend on the valve that needs replacement, the severity of symptoms and the risk of surgery. Some procedures may require long-term medication to guard against blood clots.
*Age is not the only factor in making a decision on treatment. It is critical to talk to your care team to weigh the risks and benefits of each approach and take into account your values and preferences.
Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Surgery
Valve disease treatment has improved dramatically over the past 15 years. Today, UT Southwestern is one of a handful of centers in the US where a surgical replacement or repair of a heart valve is possible without cracking the chest.
Using a mini-thoracotomy approach, Dr. Doolabh is able to repair or replace a valve through a small 2-inch incision between the ribs without cutting through the breastbone . As a result, recovery time is reduced to 10 days versus six weeks for traditional open surgery. Dr. Doolabh has performed more of these surgeries than any other surgeon in Texas and in a new -state-of-the-art hospital, UT Southwestern continues to lead the field in cardiology and heart surgery as the 14th-ranked program nationally, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Through minimally invasive surgery, we need to make only a 2-inch incision to repair or replace a valve, and the recovery time is reduced to 10 days versus six weeks for traditional open surgery. Weve performed more of these procedures than others in North Texas, and UT Southwestern is leading the advancement of additional new treatments.
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Can I Live A Typical Life After Heart Valve Surgery
It will take some time before someone can get back to their daily activities. It typically takes 612 weeks for their sternum to heal. In the meantime, they should avoid carrying heavy loads or doing activities that could aggravate the area.
So yes, it is possible to have a typical life after heart valve surgery. While it will take patience to recover from the procedure, most people report an increased quality of life after the operation.
Comparison With The Operation Year
To establish a comparative population-based reference survival curve, we generated a baseline Kaplan-Meier curve for an age-matched, gender-matched and year-matched patient population using the life tables of ONS. For each patient in our cohort, we used the annual mortality probabilities from the ONS life tables to run Monte Carlo simulations for that individuals survival, starting from the year of operation and advancing in yearly increments. The patient-level events were then aggregated across the cohort to generate a final aggregate KM curve, representing the expected survival behaviour of the matched general population. For each patient, 1000 MC runs were performed to generate statistically sufficient events and produce a reliable baseline survival curve.
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How Is An Aortic Valve Replacement Carried Out
An aortic valve replacement is carried out under general anaesthetic.
This means you’ll be asleep during the operation and won’t feel any pain while it’s carried out.
During the procedure:
- a large cut about 25cm long is made in your chest to access your heart although sometimes a smaller cut may be made
- your heart is stopped and a heart-lung machine is used to take over the job of your heart during the operation
- the damaged or faulty valve is removed and replaced with the new one
- your heart is restarted and the opening in your chest is closed
The operation usually takes a few hours.
You’ll have a discussion with your doctor or surgeon before the procedure to decide whether a synthetic or animal tissue replacement valve is most suitable for you.
What Happens Before Heart Valve Replacement
Your healthcare provider may take a chest X-ray and do an electrocardiogram a day before your operation.
Avoid eating or drinking anything during the night before or the day of your surgery.
Follow your providers instructions about which medications to take or stop taking before your operation.
Take comfortable clothes with you to the hospital, along with shoes you can slip into instead of tie. Your relative or friend who drove you to your appointment can hold your belongings for you during surgery.
Your provider will prepare your incision site by shaving and cleaning it.
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Goal : Lengthen And Improve The Quality Of Life
The odds are very good that valve repair or replacement will lengthen life and improve health and quality of life. Most valve patients can expect to return to their full activity level. Although not all valve conditions are life-threatening, it could be a mistake to assume the condition is insignificant. Some valve disease problems can lead to an increased risk of death if treatment recommendations are not followed. Some valve disease problems can lead to a significantly increased risk of death. If youve been told that you require valve treatment, it shouldnt be ignored or postponed indefinitely. If finances are keeping you from receiving surgical treatment that you need, there are studies and government initiatives to help make the procedure affordable. Learn more about health care laws and government programs seeking to provide affordable coverage at the HealthCare.gov website.
Univariate And Multivariate Analysis
Regression models were used to adjust for the effect of any potential confounding variables on mortality. The analysis was performed for all 103 patients in our cohort and repeated for the 41 patients in Groups A and B, which were of particular interest in this study. Univariate and multivariate models for all cause mortality are shown in .
Table 3
In the univariate analysis of all 103 patients, increased age, raised pulmonary artery pressures, higher EuroSCORE, in-patient status and loss of ability to self-care were associated with increased mortality. AVR and the use of ACE-inhibitors were associated with decreased mortality. In the multivariate model, in-patient status and loss of ability to self-care were significant predictors of mortality, whilst only AVR significantly predicted improved survival.
The analysis was repeated with subjects from Groups A and B only. Univariate analysis showed that increased age and refusal to undergo AVR predicted increased mortality whilst use of ACE-inhibitors and statins were associated with reduced mortality. Refusal to undergo AVR was the only independent predictor of mortality in multivariate analysis.
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Good Diet And Body Weight
Regular physical exercise routine and good yet balanced diet form the two important parts associated with the fastest possible recovery from heart valve replacement.
If the doctor recommends following a specific diet, it is very much essential for you to follow it properly. However, if the doctor does not recommend for any special diet, you should definitely go with the heart-healthy and balanced nutrition diet to speed up your healing procedure and reduce your fatigue. Furthermore, you should make sure to have weight control to improve your heart health, as excessive increase in the body weight put loads on the regular function of your heart and reduces its recovery process.
What Does Current Guidance Say On This Issue
2014 NICE guidelines on management of heart failure recommend surgical aortic valve replacement for people with heart failure due to severe aortic stenosis, who are assessed as suitable for surgery.
NICE recommend transcatheter aortic valve implantation for people who are unsuitable for surgery. This involves accessing the aorta via a catheter inserted into an artery in the groin or chest. However, the risks involved with this procedure mean that it is currently not recommended as an alternative for people otherwise suitable for surgery. This guidance is under review.
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Aortic Valve Stenosis: Know These Symptoms
If youre experiencing any of these problems, tell your physician. They could be signs of a heart-valve problem that can be treated:
- Chest pain, pressure or tightness
Beware, however: Sometimes aortic valve stenosis and other heart-valve problems can develop without telltale symptoms, or symptoms can come on so gradually that you may not notice them. Dont skip regular physical exams with your doctor.
What Happens After A Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement
After your minimally invasive aortic valve replacement:
- You will start your recovery in the ICU or a recovery room.
- When you wake up, you might feel confused at first. You might wake up a couple of hours after the surgery, or a little later.
- Most people notice relief of their symptoms right after surgery.
- The team will carefully monitor your vital signs, such as your heart rate. They may hook you up to several machines so the nurses can check these more easily.
- You may have a tube in your throat to help you breathe. This may be uncomfortable, and you wont be able to talk. Your doctor or nurse will usually remove the tube within 24 hours.
- You may have a chest tube to drain excess fluid from your chest.
- You may have small temporary pacemaker wires coming from your chest.
- Bandages will cover your incision. These can usually come off within a couple of days.
- You will feel some soreness, but you shouldnt feel severe pain. If you need it, you can ask for pain medicine.
- In a day or two, you should be able to sit in a chair and walk with help.
- You may perform breathing therapy to help remove fluids that collect in your lungs during surgery.
- You will probably be able to drink liquids the day after surgery. You can have regular foods as soon as you feel ready to eat.
- You may receive elastic stockings to help blood circulate through your leg veins.
- You will probably need to stay in the hospital for 3 to 5 days.
After you leave the hospital:
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