Heart valve replacement. Types of prostheses.

The heart is a natural pump that causes the blood to circulate all over the body and the person and feed it all the tissues of the body. Anatomically the heart consists of 4 chambers and 4 valves. The heart activity is planned in such a way that at a certain time, one valve opens and another closes to ensure normal blood flow. Failure of any valve leads to a violation of blood supply. In this case, often resort to prosthetics (replacement) of the heart valve.

Replacement of the heart valve is a surgical operation, involving the installation of a prosthesis in the place of an incompetent valve. Most often, this surgical intervention is aimed at correcting acquired or congenital changes in the structure and functions of the valvular heart system, which can not be corrected by methods of plastic correction. A couple of dozen years ago, heart valve prosthesis was considered a life-threatening operation. However, in the present century this is quite common, which is often the only way to restore health to the heart and the whole body.

Among the indications for the replacement of the heart valve :

• Serious changes in the valvular apparatus of the heart, which lead to a violation of blood circulation;
• Progressive heart failure;
• Ineffectiveness of antibiotic therapy;
• Embolic complications;
• Echocardiographic signs of vegetation and valve damage.

Replacement of the heart valve is contraindicated in patients with any infection, since in this case there is a high risk of infectious endocarditis after surgery.

At the disposal of modern surgery there are 2 types of prosthesis for heart valves.

The first type includes mechanical prostheses . They are also called artificial prostheses . The mechanical valve includes a valve-type locking element that is made of an artificial material. The disadvantage of this device is the lifelong need to take anticoagulants - drugs that lower blood coagulability. Thus, mechanical prostheses are reliable, have a lifetime (for life) and no need for replacement. However, for the rest of his life a person is forced to take special medications.

Another type of prosthesis are biological valves , which, as their name suggests, are of biological origin. The material for them is a horse pericardium or pig tissue. As a result, this prosthesis has a natural locking element with three flaps. Due to their similarity with natural valves, biological prostheses are considered the best solution. These devices are small in mass and size, which virtually eliminates the risk of thromboembolism or thrombosis. However, the biological prosthesis is subject to destruction over time. The period of his service is determined by the age of the patient and the diseases that he has. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the process of degradation of such a valve slows down significantly with age.

Before the operation to replace the heart valve, a conversation should be held between the patient and the doctor, the subject of which is the choice of a particular type of valve.

After the prosthesis of the heart valve is successfully completed, the rehabilitation period begins. Within 6 months, the operated person should carefully monitor his condition. Absolute contraindication after this type of surgical intervention is physical activity. The patient should adhere to a diet containing a minimum amount of table salt and enriched with magnesium and potassium.

The most common complication after heart valve replacement surgery is the development of infective endocarditis. For preventive purposes, the doctor prescribes a number of drugs and supplements.