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After being diagnosed with a heart valve problem, your heart doctor may schedule surgery for you. There are several different ways to repair heart valve problems, and your doctor will help you choose the best treatment for you.
At Dignity Health Heart and Vascular Institute of Greater Sacramento, we have one of the most experienced cardiovascular surgery teams in the nation, including a team of specially trained doctors, surgeons and nurse practitioners who work as a team to diagnose and treat our cardiology patients with heart valve disease.
Some cardiology patients may be candidates for a minimally invasive approach that does not require a large incision. Find out more about minimally invasive valve surgery.
During heart valve surgery, one or more valves are repaired or replaced. There are three possible ways your doctor may approach heart valve surgery:
Different problems call for different treatments. Your doctor will talk with you in advance about the treatment that is best for you. In some cases, your doctor may need to change his approach once surgery has begun.
At Dignity Health Heart and Vascular Institute of Greater Sacramento, our expert cardiovascular surgeons develop personalized treatment plan for every patient. Learn more about our expertise and approach to Diagnosis and Treatment.
Open heart valve surgery requires a large incision in your chest. You will be asleep under general anesthesia during the procedure. Here's what to expect:
After cardiology surgery, you'll spend at least a day in the intensive care unit (ICU). Highly trained nurses will monitor you closely. When you're ready, you will be moved to a general care room. You'll stay there for five to six days. While there, you'll recover further and prepare to go home.
Give yourself time to get better little by little. Expect good days and bad days. At first, you may tire easily. But being active will help you recover. Find the right balance between rest and activity. And follow all instructions you're given.
During your recovery, call your doctor if you:
Most valve surgeries have an excellent outcome. But any major cardiology surgery carries risk. Valve surgery risks include: