DVR (Double Valve Replacement)

1. What is Double Valve Replacement (DVR)?
DVR is a cardiac surgical procedure in which two damaged or severely diseased heart valves are replaced with artificial prosthetic valves during the same operation.

2. When is DVR recommended?
It may be recommended when two heart valves have severe stenosis or regurgitation and cannot be adequately treated with medication or valve repair. The decision depends on symptoms, heart function, valve anatomy, and overall health.

3. Which valves are commonly replaced together?
The most common combination is aortic and mitral valve replacement. In selected patients, other combinations may be required depending on the underlying heart disease.

4. How is DVR performed?
DVR is generally performed as open-heart surgery under general anesthesia using cardiopulmonary bypass. The diseased valves are removed or prepared, and appropriately sized prosthetic valves are implanted.

5. What types of replacement valves are available?
Replacement valves may be mechanical or biological (tissue) valves. Mechanical valves are highly durable but generally require lifelong anticoagulation, while tissue valves may have a limited lifespan but usually do not require lifelong anticoagulation solely because of the valve.

6. What tests are required before DVR?
Evaluation commonly includes echocardiography, ECG, chest imaging, blood tests, and assessment of heart function. Coronary angiography or CT imaging may also be recommended depending on the patient's age, risk factors, and clinical condition.

7. How long does DVR surgery take?
The operation commonly takes several hours, although the duration varies according to the complexity of valve disease, the patient's condition, and whether additional procedures such as CABG are required.

8. What is recovery like after DVR?
Patients generally require initial monitoring in an ICU followed by several days of hospital care. Recovery continues at home, with gradual physical activity and cardiac rehabilitation where appropriate.

9. What are the possible risks?
Potential complications include bleeding, infection, abnormal heart rhythms, blood clots, stroke, kidney or lung complications, prosthetic valve dysfunction, and other complications associated with major heart surgery.

10. How can Medavelle help?
Medavelle can coordinate evaluation with an experienced cardiac surgery team, arrange review of echocardiography and other cardiac investigations, obtain a personalized treatment estimate, and assist with hospital, travel, and treatment coordination in India.