WHAT HAPPENS DURING AND AFTER THE MELODY TPV PROCEDURE
The information below is intended as a general overview of the Melody™ transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) therapy; your experience may be different. Please talk to your doctor for more information about what to expect.
During The Procedure
Typically, patients are asleep under anesthesia for the procedure and usually don’t feel any pain.
- Your doctor will insert the delivery system into your vein (typically in your leg) through a small access site.
- A thin, hollow tube (catheter) holding the Melody valve will be placed into the vein and guided into your heart.
- Once the Melody valve is in the right position, the balloons will be inflated to deliver the valve.
- The Melody valve will expand into place and begin to direct blood flow between the right lower chamber (ventricle) and your lungs.
- The catheter will then be removed, and the doctor will conduct a test to make sure the valve is working properly.
- The access site will be closed, and the procedure will be complete.
After the Procedure
After the Melody TPV procedure, you will go to a recovery room. Once you are awake, you will be moved to a regular hospital room where you’ll be able to eat and drink.
You likely will need to stay in the hospital overnight as most people go home the next day. Your doctor will provide you with more specific care instructions as well as any limitations you may have. Usually, you can return to normal activities in 1 to 2 days. If you have any questions, please ask your heart doctor or nurse.
Follow-up Care
After your Melody TPV procedure, it is important to follow your heart care team’s instructions to ensure the best possible results.
- Continue to take medications as prescribed.
- Follow your daily care plan.
- Keep appointments to have your heart and Melody TPV checked.
- Talk with your doctor if you have pain or other symptoms.
- Inform your other doctors about your heart valve before any medical procedures.
- If you have an unexplained, prolonged fever, contact your doctor to ensure you do not have an infection related to your heart valve.
- Tell your dentist that you have an artificial tissue valve. During dental work, bacteria may be released into the bloodstream and cause infection in any tissue valve. This means that you may need to be on medicine before any dental procedure, even routine cleaning.
Talk with your heart care team or nurse if you have more questions about living with your Melody valve.