Heart Valve Replacement in Villach

The procedure is carried out under general anesthetic and can be done through minimally invasive catheter procedures or open-heart surgery. During the procedure, your surgeon makes an incision down the center of the chest to remove your heart valve and replace it with a biological tissue valve (made from human, pig, or cow heart tissue) or with a mechanical valve.

After the procedure, you will need to stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) for a couple of days and then you are moved to the progressive care unit for several days. Stay in Villach for at least 14 more days after you are discharged from the hospital because your surgeon will schedule follow-up checkups to monitor your condition closely and remove surgical stitches or staples.

The total recovery period can take about three months or longer and you will need to take things easy at first and gradually increase your activity level. You should be able to drive within six weeks, have sex after four to six weeks, and return to work in six to eight weeks if your job involves light work. Avoid any intense exercises, such as heavy lifting, for three months.

Your doctor will likely instruct you to make healthy lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, stress management, limiting alcohol use, avoiding cigarettes, and physical activities, to keep your heart working well. You will need to attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor and evaluate your condition and you can do this with your local doctor. Some people need ongoing medication for the rest of their lives after heart valve replacement.

In some cases, your surgeon may suggest you undergo heart valve repair. Your surgeon will repair your heart valve to bring back its function by patching holes, reconnecting valve flaps, replacing cords, tightening the ring around the valve, or separating valve flaps.