Mitral valve surgery - minimally invasive: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help for severe trouble breathing, fainting, sudden chest pressure, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of stroke such as facial drooping, arm weakness or difficulty speaking.
Do not drive yourself in an emergency.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact the surgical team promptly for increasing incision redness, warmth, swelling or drainage; a fever; worsening breathlessness; new palpitations; rapid weight gain; or increasing leg swelling.
And for anyone, someone who:
has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
For routine concerns, contact your team during office hours about ongoing tiredness, appetite changes, medication questions or a recovery that is not progressing as expected.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Mitral valve surgery - minimally invasive. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.