Infection and inflammatory reaction due to cardiac valve prosthesis digital illustration

Infection and inflammatory reaction due to cardiac valve prosthesis Save


ICD-10 code: T82.6

Chapter: Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes

Infection and Inflammatory Reaction Due to Cardiac Valve Prosthesis

Cardiac valve prosthesis is a medical device that is implanted in the heart to replace a damaged or diseased heart valve. While this medical intervention can help improve the quality of life of patients with heart valve disease, it can also lead to complications such as infection and inflammation.

When a cardiac valve prosthesis is implanted, there is a risk of infection at the site of the surgery. Infections can occur due to bacterial contamination during the surgery or from other sources such as dental work or urinary tract infections. If an infection occurs, it can lead to a range of symptoms including fever, fatigue, and a general feeling of being unwell. In some cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream, causing sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition.

In addition to infections, some patients may experience an inflammatory reaction to the cardiac valve prosthesis. This can occur due to the body's immune system reacting to the foreign object in the heart. Symptoms of an inflammatory reaction may include fever, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

If you have a cardiac valve prosthesis, it is important to monitor for any signs of infection or inflammation. Your doctor may recommend regular check-ups to ensure that the prosthesis is functioning properly and to detect any complications early on.

  1. Practice good hygiene to minimize the risk of infection
  2. Take antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor
  3. Inform your dentist and other healthcare providers of your cardiac valve prosthesis
  4. Monitor for any signs of infection or inflammation and report them to your doctor immediately
  5. Attend regular check-ups with your doctor

In conclusion, infection and inflammatory reaction due to cardiac valve prosthesis is a potential complication of this medical intervention. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of these complications and to seek medical attention if they occur. By practicing good hygiene, taking antibiotics as prescribed, and attending regular check-ups with your doctor, you can minimize your risk of developing complications related to your cardiac valve prosthesis.