Prosthetic Heart Valves

Question 1

What are the common examination findings?

Answer 1

Scar consistent with valve replacement - Midline thoracotomaty scar

Loud clicking heart sounds - may be audible without stethoscope

Question 2

What are the investigations?

Answer 2

To finish the exam i would like to - Fundoscopy, respiratory exam, and Peripheral arterial exam,urinalysis and BP

By the bed - History and obs.

Bloods - FBC, U/E, INR and clotting

Other - ECG, ECHO

CXR

Question 3

What are the key investigation findings?

Answer 3

Valve replacement will show on XRAY

Question 4

What is the treatment?

Answer 4

Conservative - Explain to the patient and advise on general CVS health

Medical - Aspirin if human warfarin if mechanical

Surgical - Repair if neccasary

Question 5

What are the risk factors?

What are the complications

Answer 5

Disease of the valve

Complications:

Endocarditis

Emboli

Leak

Haemoloysis

Bleeding due to anticoagulation