Immediately after undergoing mitral valve repair surgery, you will be disconnected from the heart-lung bypass machine (assuming minimally invasive techniques were not performed). An echocardiogram is done so the surgeon can examine your heart and mitral valve to determine whether the operation was successful. If it was, your body temperature will be raised while the surgeon wires your breastbone together and closes the incision. You will then be placed into the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital.

Below, we’ll describe the recovery process beginning from the moment you are transferred to the ICU. You’ll learn what to expect at the hospital and at home as you slowly regain your strength and return to your normal activity level.

Recovering In The Hospital

While in the ICU, you’ll be given antibiotics to prevent the spread of infection. Your heart will be monitored during your stay. Within twenty-four hours, if no signs of complications are present, you’ll be transferred into a recovery ward. Most patients who undergo mitral valve repair surgery end up staying in this ward for three or four days. During this time, the medical staff will encourage you to start walking. If your vital signs are strong after three or four days, you will be released to your home.

Recovering At Home

Nausea and a loss of appetite are common. However, it’s important that you continue eating in order to prevent weight loss during your recovery. You might also experience constipation and difficulty falling asleep. Both circumstances are common and will dissipate with time.

You will likely feel pain in the area of the incision. Your physician will have prescribed medications to help reduce the discomfort. If it persists, contact him or her immediately.

Caring For The Incision

Prior to being released from the hospital, your doctor will have explained how to care for the incision. Keeping the area clean is important for preventing infection. Wash the site with soap and water at least once each day. Avoid removing or dislodging the staples. If your incision is healing as expected, your doctor will remove the staples during your first follow-up visit.

The pain near the incision will gradually decline and disappear. However, if you notice persistent redness, contact your physician. It may indicate infection.

Returning To Your Normal Activity

Your doctor will encourage you to stay active during your recovery period. He or she will provide you with an activity schedule that will detail what to do and how far to push yourself. During this time, you may also be attending (at your physician’s behest) a cardiac rehabilitation class at the surgical center.

Walking is the most common activity during recovery following mitral valve repair surgery. It plays an important role in strengthening your heart. But it is equally important that you remain aware of overexertion and stop to rest if you feel the need. Within six weeks, you should be ready to return to your previous activity level. If you have undergone minimally invasive mitral valve repair surgery, you may be able to return to your normal routine within three weeks.

Dietary Considerations

Your doctor will create a diet plan that supports your heart’s rehabilitation. This diet will be low in salt and cholesterol. Monounsaturated fats are encouraged while trans fats and saturated fats are all but eliminated. Sodium consumption will be reduced and carbohydrates found in sugary drinks and desserts are discouraged. Your physician will also strongly suggest that you increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables to reduce the likelihood of heart disease.

Most of the postoperative recovery steps described above are similar for minimally invasive mitral valve repair surgery. However, the recovery time is shorter and there is less pain. If you suffer from mitral valve regurgitation or stenosis, ask your doctor whether a minimally invasive approach is available.

Author Bio: Find the right doctor for mitral valve surgery.Find a cardiac surgery specialist. Early diagnosis can lead to successful results.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: atrial fibrillation, maze procedure, minimally invasive techniques, atrial maze procedure