The Meaning of Heart-Valve Surgery to the Patient

1 December 1975

journal article
Published by SAGE Publications in The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine

Vol. 6 (4) , 517-521
https://doi.org/10.2190/txqj-bguy-cav2-12nt

Abstract

Observations are presented about patients' psychological reactions to the experience of having a heart valve replaced or repaired. The importance of the patient's conceptualization of the cardiac valve and the surgical procedure is discussed. By understanding what such a procedure may mean to the patient, the medical staff can help make a terrifying experience more bearable.

Keywords

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