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Aug 22, 2023

Heart valve replacement through the groin: Recovery time explained

A heart valve that is severely damaged may need replacing. A surgeon may replace the damaged valve via an incision in the groin. The heart contains four valves, which allow blood to move in and out of

A heart valve that is severely damaged may need replacing. A surgeon may replace the damaged valve via an incision in the groin.

The heart contains four valves, which allow blood to move in and out of the heart in the appropriate direction. Heart valves can become damaged or diseased due to aging, infection, illness, or a congenital heart defect. If the valve is not repairable, a doctor may recommend a heart valve replacement (HVR).

Surgeons may perform HVRs through traditional open heart surgery or via a much smaller incision in the groin.

This article explains how the heart valves function and who may need an HVR. It also explains which procedures require a groin incision, provides information on recovery times, and indicates when to see a doctor.

The heart consists of four chambers: two upper chambers called the atria and two lower chambers called the ventricles. A wall of tissue called the septum separates the four chambers.

Four heart valves help to pump blood through the four chambers. They are:

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Various heart conditions can cause damage to the heart valves. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 2.5% of the population in the United States has some form of valvular heart disease. If damage to the heart valve is severe, a doctor may recommend an HVR.

Below are some conditions that may require an HVR.

The term stenosis refers to a narrowing of the valve opening. This narrowing makes it difficult for blood to flow through the valve efficiently.

Stenosis can develop if the flaps inside the valve do not form properly before birth. Medical professionals refer to these “flaps” as leaflets or cusps. Stenosis can also occur due to calcification and rheumatic fever.

Any valve can develop stenosis, but it occurs most frequently in the aortic valve.

Heart valve regurgitation occurs when a valve does not close or seal tightly, causing blood to leak backward instead of moving forward. This backflow of blood causes the heart to work less efficiently.

Most cases of regurgitation are due to mitral valve prolapse (MVP). In MVP, part of one or both leaflets of the mitral valve bulge upward into the left atrium.

Regurgitation can also be congenital, meaning a person is born with irregularly shaped valve flaps or openings.

Atresia is a condition in which one of the heart’s valves does not develop, causing blood to take an alternative route between two chambers. This alternative route typically consists of a hole between the two chambers.

Atresia is usually present from birth but may occasionally develop later in life.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), there are two main types of atresia: pulmonary and tricuspid.

Surgeons can perform a valve replacement through traditional open heart surgery or a transcatheter procedure.

A transcatheter procedure involves putting the replacement valve into a tube and threading the tube through a large artery in the groin. While surgeons usually perform this procedure through the groin, they can use another access point in the body if needed.

Procedures that require a groin incision for a valve replacement include the following:

The potential recovery time for an HVR varies according to several factors, including:

According to the NHLBI, individuals will generally need to stay in the hospital overnight or for several days following the procedure, depending on various factors. However, they can typically return to their usual daily activities in as little as a few weeks.

As with all types of surgery, complications may slow recovery. The most common complications from an HVR through the groin include:

Other risks may include heart attack or death.

The recovery time following a complication varies according to the type of complication and the individual’s response to treatment.

Nonetheless, the American Heart Association (AHA) states that HVR through the groin generally has more advantages than traditional open heart surgery. These advantages include:

In an older 2016 study, HVR through the groin resulted in better 3-year outcomes compared to traditional open heart surgery for severe aortic stenosis.

The following factors may help to improve recovery after an HVR:

It is vital that a person speaks with a doctor before deciding whether an HVR through the groin is the best option for them. The doctor can answer questions to help the person decide on their treatment options.

A person should also maintain good communication with the doctor after an HVR procedure. Doing so enables the doctor to assess the person’s recovery and to detect and treat any surgical complications in their early stages.

Anyone who experiences signs of a complication following an HVR should contact a healthcare professional urgently.

A heart valve may need replacing due to damage, disease, or a congenital anomaly. One option is to replace the valve through the groin. This procedure may result in fewer complications and a quicker recovery than traditional open heart surgery.

It is important that a person talks with the doctor about the potential risks and benefits of HVR surgery through the groin. People who undergo the procedure should also maintain regular contact with the doctor throughout the recovery process to help minimize the risk of complications.

Anyone concerned about HVR before or after the procedure should contact their doctor for further advice.