Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal
Heart repair surgery has started for patients suffering from heart valve related diseases at Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Center (BMHRC). Recently, doctors of the Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Surgery Department of the hospital repaired the heart valve of a 64-year-old gas-affected woman free of cost. The patient has been discharged from the hospital.
Dr. Giriraj Garg, Assistant Professor, Department of CTVS, BMHRC said that the woman was suffering from a condition called rheumatic heart disease, which caused her to experience shortness of breath during physical activity. An examination at the hospital revealed that the mitral valve in her heart had contracted, obstructing the flow of blood in the heart. Surgery was the only solution to correct this issue. During the operation, it was determined that repairing the valve was a better option than replacing it. Dr Garg explained that after valve replacement, patients need to take blood-thinning medications for a long time, whereas valve repair reduces the dependency on such medications. The risk of infection is lower in heart repair procedures, and patients do not need to visit the hospital frequently for treatment.
Requires More Experience and Skill
Dr. Garg mentioned that valve repair is more challenging than valve replacement. It takes more time and requires extensive experience and specialized skills. This is why valve replacement surgeries are more common in hospitals compared to valve repair surgeries.
Functions and Causes of Valve Malfunction
Our heart has four valves: aortic, mitral, pulmonary, and tricuspid valves. These valves direct blood flow in the right direction. Each valve has flaps that open and close with each heartbeat. If a valve flap does not open or close properly, it is termed as valve malfunction. Causes of heart valve disease in adults may include infections, age-related changes and other heart conditions. mitral valve stenosis is often caused by rheumatic fever.
Valve repair surgeries are complex and require special expertise. With the commencement of this surgery at BMHRC, patients suffering from heart valve diseases will benefit significantly.
– Dr. Manisha Srivastava, In-charge Director, BMHRC, Bhopal
