sydänläppäleikkausten

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 mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves, ensure blood flows in the correct direction through the heart chambers. When a valve is damaged or diseased, it can lead to serious health problems, such as heart failure or stroke.

There are two main types of heart valve surgery: valve repair and valve replacement. Valve repair involves surgically fixing the damaged valve, often by reshaping or reattaching its leaflets. This is generally preferred when possible, as it preserves the patient's own valve, potentially reducing the risk of future complications. Valve replacement involves removing the damaged valve and implanting an artificial one. Artificial valves can be mechanical, made from durable materials like metal and carbon, or biological, derived from animal or human tissues. The choice between mechanical and biological valves depends on various factors, including the patient's age, lifestyle, and medical history.

Heart valve surgery can be performed using traditional open-heart surgery, which involves a larger chest incision, or minimally invasive techniques, which use smaller incisions and specialized instruments. Minimally invasive approaches can lead to faster recovery times and less scarring. The decision regarding the type of surgery and the specific approach is made by a cardiac surgeon in consultation with the patient, considering the severity of the valve problem and the individual's overall health. Recovery from heart valve surgery typically involves a period of hospitalization followed by rehabilitation to regain strength and endurance.