Are there any risks in repeated open heart surgeries?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 32-year-old male weighing 132 pounds and my height is 5.9 feet. I had undergone open heart surgery seven years back for aortic stenosis valve replacement.

One day, my eye got swollen, and I felt dizzy. So, I went to the doctor for a checkup. He told me that I had a calcium deposit on the aortic valve, which is an already replaced valve.

Now I want to know, is there any option for the replacement of the valve other than open-heart surgery?
My whole report was good in terms of cholesterol and other things; the only problem was the calcium deposit. If the valve can be replaced through TAVR, where can I get the best treatment?
Earlier, I had valve replacement and open-heart surgery in a reputed hospital. Please provide me with all information regarding this. Is there any risk in another open heart surgery or in TAVR?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have thoroughly gone through your case and can well understand your genuine health concerns.

Transthoracic aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is usually considered a good choice for patients who are not good candidates for open heart surgery. It is a good alternative for patients based on clinical evaluation and severity of the disease.

Every procedure has its own risk factors, and the same goes for TAVR and open heart surgery. It includes heart musculature rupture, valvular damage, and some damage to the vessels coming out of and going into the heart. Damage to the brain and other major organs due to clot or thrombus formation may also occur due to manipulation and surgery. But in modern-day techniques, there are fewer complications, and the benefits outweigh the risks for sure.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.