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Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

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Heart valve surgery - Risks

Alternative Names

Valve replacement; Valve repair; Heart valve prosthesis

Risks:

The risks for any anesthesia include:

  • Problems breathing
  • Reactions to medications

The risks for any surgery include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection

The risks for cardiac surgery include:

  • Death
  • Heart attack
  • Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
  • Kidney failure
  • Stroke
  • Temporary confusion after surgery due to the heart-lung machine

It is very important to take steps to prevent valve infections. You may need to take antibiotics indefinitely, or before dental work and other invasive procedures.

  • Reviewed last on: 5/15/2008
  • Robert A Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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