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Is A Heart Valve Replacement Surgery Safe In An Elderly Person?
Question: Hello, my 78 years old grandmother is in a hospital in Seoul, South Korea. She had her heart valve replaced with a pig's, around 15 years ago, and needs to replace it again. The doctors are suggesting to do the operation by making a hole and using mechanical arms (sorry for not being specific, I'm not sure of the actual name of the process), instead of actually opening up her chest.
They told my relatives that my grandmother wouldn't be hurting so much after the surgery, and it will be probably hold for 5 years - but now they are changing it to around 15 years.
The problem is, it's about 3 times as expensive as the open heart surgery, and we don't know how long it will last. Also, we are not sure if we should even trust their suggestion, as they might be more interested in getting more money.
So my question is,
1. Do you recommend the surgery with the mechanical arms instead of the open heart surgery?
2. How long, generally, will the valve last for if we do go through with the surgery with mechanical arms?
3. Also, will a 78 years old woman be alright with having an open heart surgery?
Thank you.
They told my relatives that my grandmother wouldn't be hurting so much after the surgery, and it will be probably hold for 5 years - but now they are changing it to around 15 years.
The problem is, it's about 3 times as expensive as the open heart surgery, and we don't know how long it will last. Also, we are not sure if we should even trust their suggestion, as they might be more interested in getting more money.
So my question is,
1. Do you recommend the surgery with the mechanical arms instead of the open heart surgery?
2. How long, generally, will the valve last for if we do go through with the surgery with mechanical arms?
3. Also, will a 78 years old woman be alright with having an open heart surgery?
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Please, find detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
In patients with advanced age open heart surgery has more complications, so nowadays there are minimal invasive methods when mechanical valve is delivered either through the vessel (aorta) or with small hall in thorax. These methods are more expensive but are reasonable in such patients.
As you couldn't mention the exact name of the valve and procedure, I suppose that that they offered mechanical valve through small hall in the thorax.
Such operations require more experienced surgeons, they are more expensive, but usually they have less complications.
Mechanical valves usually have longer life than pig valves, but they require blood thinners.
And whether a 78 years old woman can undergo open heart surgery depends on her medical condition.
Hope this was helpful for you
Come back if you have any further questions
Please, find detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
In patients with advanced age open heart surgery has more complications, so nowadays there are minimal invasive methods when mechanical valve is delivered either through the vessel (aorta) or with small hall in thorax. These methods are more expensive but are reasonable in such patients.
As you couldn't mention the exact name of the valve and procedure, I suppose that that they offered mechanical valve through small hall in the thorax.
Such operations require more experienced surgeons, they are more expensive, but usually they have less complications.
Mechanical valves usually have longer life than pig valves, but they require blood thinners.
And whether a 78 years old woman can undergo open heart surgery depends on her medical condition.
Hope this was helpful for you
Come back if you have any further questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dear Dr. Lilit Baghdasaryan,
Thank you so much for your kind reply.
The hospital is suggesting pig's valve for the surgery, not a mechanical one. If we use pig's valve, does it generally last 15 years like the doctors' suggestion, with key-hole surgery?
If we use the mechanical valve, how long does it last? Does it use any batteries or make any noise while functioning?
Thank you.
Thank you so much for your kind reply.
The hospital is suggesting pig's valve for the surgery, not a mechanical one. If we use pig's valve, does it generally last 15 years like the doctors' suggestion, with key-hole surgery?
If we use the mechanical valve, how long does it last? Does it use any batteries or make any noise while functioning?
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Welcome back
Detailed Answer:
Usually pig valve is for 10-15 years, it doesn't make any noise and doesn't require blood thinner.
Mechanical valve can last decades, it makes noise, which is not always heard by the patient, there is no need to any battery and there is a need for lifelong blood thinners.
Regards,
Welcome back
Detailed Answer:
Usually pig valve is for 10-15 years, it doesn't make any noise and doesn't require blood thinner.
Mechanical valve can last decades, it makes noise, which is not always heard by the patient, there is no need to any battery and there is a need for lifelong blood thinners.
Regards,
Note: click here to Consult a cardiac surgeon online. to know the best treatment option for your heart-related issues
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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