Information for patients

Links

Wellington Hospital
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Clementine Churchill BMI (Harrow)
Lindo Wing, St Mary's Hospital

Patient testimonials

First, I can’t thank you enough for all your time, interest and care on Thursday.

Secondly, the one stop ‘plumb and sparks’ shop is seriously impressive, staffed by great, caring and efficient people who are fun. In about an hour to do an echo, treadmill test and take 49 blood samples etc. must be close to a W.R....

Seriously, from the patients point of view you are offering full diagnostics almost in the ‘golden hour’ whereas with most other approaches it takes more like a month! The expeditious approach apart from removing patients uncertainty which often weighs heavily means if necessary you are in to treatment almost immediately....

Patients will definitely feel that they and their quality of lfe is being put first.

Mr Y. (2010) Suffolk.

Aortic valve surgery

If you have a narrowed aortic valve, you may get angina, breathlessness or blackouts. If you have symptoms, then aortic valve replacement is the standard treatment. This is an open surgery procedure, involving 1 week in hospital and 6-8 weeks recovery. There are several different valve s available. The choice of valve depends on your age and other conditions that you have. You will need through investigation prior to surgery. You may well need warferin therapy after the procedure if you have a metal valve.

A valve may become narrowed or leaky which may restrict blood flow or allow blood to flow in both directions. In order to ensure the blood circulates, the heart then has to work much harder. This can cause shortness of breath, weakness or tiredness. Hundreds of patients every year benefit from receiving a heart valve. The valves used for this surgery are obtained from either pig hearts (porcine), cow hearts (bovine) or are mechanical (man-made). Sometimes the surgeon can only make the decision about which valve to use once the surgery has started and the inside of the heart can be seen.

The consent of patients is always sought before any treatment is performed – it is your choice whether to agree to a surgical procedure. We also encourage patients to discuss their surgery with their loved ones, and the treatment options and concerns with your doctor.

Some patients may have spiritual concerns about receiving a pig or cow valve. if you have any personal or religious objections to having one of these valves, please discuss this with the surgeon in clinic.

Palpitations

After your operation, it is normal to be more aware of your heartbeat. You may feel that your heart is beating too fast or that you have an occasional skipped heart beat. This is normal and usually resolves itself quickly, but if it continues and you feel faint or short of breath, contact your GP at once. If you have had a mechanical valve replacement it is normal to hear or feel a clicking sensation.

How long does the operation last?

The operation lasts a minimum of four hours.

What happens after coming out from the operating room?

Following surgery, patients are closely monitored. Generally, you will awake shortly after surgery and can expect to sit up in bed the night of surgery – sipping fluids. You can move out of bed to a chair or even take short walks the next day with the physiotherapist.

Will I continue taking my medications after having surgery?

Your medication will be prescribed, adjusted or discontinued depending on your condition. You will be given a week’s supply of medication prior to leaving the hospital.

We do advise you to go to your GP on the 4th or 5th day before your one-week supply of medications runs out, for further prescription. Please make sure you get some pain killer. Everyone is different and some may need to take the painkillers a little bit longer than others.

Driving

Do not drive for at least four weeks after the operation. It takes this time for your muscular strength and general agility to return.

Some tips to help you when you start back driving

Try to start with short journeys and avoid heavy traffic.
Take regular breaks on longer journeys.
Put a small cushion or a folded towel between you and the seat belt to help protect your breastbone
It is not necessary to inform the DVLA. You should however notify your insurance company. If there is a problem with your premium, contact the British Heart Foundation for a list of insurance companies who will give you a fair deal.
If you hold a LGV or PCV licence you will need to inform the DVLA. You will also need to have an exercise test before driving.

If you are not suitable for open operation because your operative risk is high, then you may be suitable for a new procedure called Transcatheter (or percutaneous) aortic valve intervention (TAVI).