Heart Double Valve Replacement

Heart valve repair is a surgical procedure performed on the heart. In a double valve replacement, both the mitral and aortic valves, or the entire left side of the heart, are replaced. During heart valve surgery, a surgeon either repairs or replaces the damaged or diseased valves. Various surgical methods, including open-heart surgery and minimally invasive techniques, can be used for this purpose.

Cost Considerations

The cost for heart double valve replacement can vary based on:

Operating room and recovery room fees
Surgeons, anesthetists, dieticians, and other specialists
Medicines and dressings
Diagnostic evaluations
Type of surgery performed
Post-procedure care
Type of hospital and room

What Are the Valves of the Heart?

Tricuspid Valve: Right ventricle and right atrium
Pulmonary Valve: Right ventricle and pulmonary artery
Mitral Valve: Left atrium and left ventricle
Aortic Valve: Left ventricle and aorta

Types of Valves Used in Surgery

Mechanical Valves

Made of metal or carbon
Long-lasting
Requires lifelong anticoagulants
Suitable for younger patients

Biological Valves

Made from animal or donor tissue
Natural feel but shorter lifespan
No lifelong anticoagulation
Ideal for older patients or those avoiding long-term meds

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Symptoms of valve issues include:

Dizziness
Chest pain
Breathing problems
Palpitations
Edema (swelling)
Rapid weight gain from fluid retention

Heart Double Valve Replacement Procedure

Before the Procedure

Remove jewelry and wear a hospital gown
IV line in arm/hand; catheters in neck/wrist
Administer medications and fluids
Lie on the operating table

During the Procedure

Under general anesthesia
Open-heart (sternum cut) or minimally invasive
Heart stopped and placed on heart-lung machine
Replace damaged valves with mechanical or biological ones
May be done on beating heart in specific cases

After the Procedure

ICU stay followed by transfer to another room
Pain medication and vital monitoring
5–7 days hospital stay; faster discharge if minimally invasive

Recovery

Monitoring blood pressure, respiration, heart function
Full recovery: several weeks to months
Avoid infection at incision site
Watch for fever, chills, swelling, discharge
Follow-up appointments are essential
Family support needed during recovery

Choosing a Hospital

Key considerations include:

Accreditations and certifications
Location and travel access
Skilled surgeons and cardiac teams
Advanced diagnostics and surgical tools
International patient support

The Most Important Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How Long Does it Take to Replace 2 Heart Valves?
A: At least 2 hours; ICU stay after surgery, total hospital time ~1 week

Q: How Risky Is a Double Valve Replacement?
A: About 2% mortality risk, lower than risk of untreated aortic disease

Q: What Are the Disadvantages?
A: Risks include:

Bleeding
Blood clots, stroke, lung issues
Infection, endocarditis
Pneumonia
Breathing difficulties

Q: Which Heart Valve Is the Strongest?
A: Left ventricle chamber pumps blood through the aortic valve with great force

Q: What Is the Most Common Complication After Surgery?
A: Chest wound infection, stroke, arrhythmias, lung/kidney failure