Valve Repair or Replacement

This surgery is done to repair or replace damaged heart valves. The valves may be repaired by removing excess tissue or repairing the valve structure, or they may be replaced with artificial valves.

Valve Repair or Replacement: Restoring Heart Function

Heart valves play a vital role in maintaining unidirectional blood flow within the heart. When these valves become damaged or dysfunctional, repair or replacement may be necessary.

Types of Valve Surgery

• Heart Valve Surgery:
  • This is a general term referring to any surgical procedure performed on the heart valves.
• Mitral Valve Repair:
  • The mitral valve is located between the left atrium and the left ventricle. Repairing this valve is often preferred over replacement, as it tends to yield better outcomes.
• Aortic Valve Replacement:
  • The aortic valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta. When this valve becomes severely damaged, replacement is essential.
• Valve Reconstruction:
  • This term refers to the process of repairing a damaged valve using the patient’s own tissue.
• Valve Prosthesis:
  • Prosthetic valves can be mechanical or biological and are used to replace damaged valves.
• Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR):
  • This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a prosthetic valve through a catheter into the aortic valve.
• Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery:
  • This approach involves using smaller incisions and specialized instruments to perform valve surgery.

Importance of Valve Repair or Replacement:

• Improvement of heart failure symptoms
• Increased life expectancy
• Enhanced quality of life

Important Considerations:

• The decision to repair or replace a valve should be made in consultation with a cardiologist.
• The appropriate type of surgery depends on the type and severity of valve damage, as well as the patient’s age and overall health.
• Post operative care is very important for the patient to return to normal life. Click to see full Cardiac Surgery services.