Heart valve repair & replacement surgery

Heart valve surgery is often recommended when a valve condition begins to affect your heart's ability to pump blood effectively. Common reasons include: 

• Valvular stenosis, where a valve stiffens or thickens and can't open fully
• Valvular regurgitation, where a valve doesn't close properly and allows blood to leak backward
• Valvular atresia, a congenital condition where a valve doesn't form as it should
• Aortic valve narrowing or leakage causing chest pain, dizziness or shortness of breath
• Mitral valve leakage or prolapse contributing to fatigue or an irregular heartbeat
• Symptoms that haven't improved with medication alone 

Your cardiologist will use diagnostic testing to confirm which valve is affected and how severely, then discuss whether surgery may help. 

Heart valve repair or replacement surgery may be recommended when a damaged or diseased valve affects how well your heart works. Options include: 

• Aortic valve repair or replacement using traditional open-heart surgery when appropriate
• Minimally invasive aortic valve surgery using smaller incisions for eligible patients
• Mitral valve repair or replacement to restore healthy blood flow through the heart
• Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery using smaller incisions for eligible patients
• Tricuspid valve repair or replacement to improve blood flow through the heart
• Multiple valve surgery to repair or replace more than one damaged valve during the same procedure 

Your heart team will recommend the surgical approach that best fits your valve condition, overall health and recovery goals.

Recovery time after heart valve surgery varies depending on the procedure and your overall health. 

• Minimally invasive and transcatheter procedures, such as TAVR or transcatheter mitral valve repair, often allow for shorter hospital stays and quicker return to daily activities
• Open-heart valve surgery typically requires a longer hospital stay and a more gradual recovery
• Cardiac rehabilitation programs can help rebuild strength, improve heart function and support a safe return to normal activities
• Your care team will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your new or repaired valve and adjust medications as needed
• Most patients gradually resume normal activities under their physician's guidance, with attention to energy levels and any new symptoms 

Your care team will walk you through what to expect based on the specific procedure you receive. 

As with any heart procedure, heart valve repair and replacement surgery carries some risk. Potential considerations include bleeding, infection, irregular heartbeat or reaction to anesthesia. Minimally invasive and transcatheter approaches generally carry a lower risk profile than open heart surgery, but they aren't the right fit for every patient. Your heart and vascular team will review your health history, discuss the risks and benefits specific to your condition, and answer any questions before you move forward with treatment.