Sydänläppäleikkaus

Sydänläppäleikkaus, also known as heart valve surgery, is a surgical procedure to repair or replace one or more of the heart's four valves. These valves, including the aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves, ensure blood flows in the correct direction through the heart. Malfunctions can occur due to various conditions such as age-related wear, infection, congenital defects, or damage from heart disease.

The surgery aims to restore proper valve function, improving the heart's efficiency and relieving symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. There are two primary surgical approaches: open-heart surgery and minimally invasive surgery. Open-heart surgery involves a larger incision in the chest, while minimally invasive techniques utilize smaller incisions and specialized instruments, often leading to quicker recovery times.

During the procedure, the damaged valve can either be repaired, a process that involves reshaping or reinforcing the existing valve tissue, or replaced. Valve replacement uses either a mechanical valve, typically made of durable materials like titanium, or a biological valve, derived from animal tissue or human donors. The choice of valve depends on factors such as the patient's age, lifestyle, and overall health. Post-operative recovery typically involves a hospital stay followed by a period of rehabilitation to regain strength and function.