Cardiac valve replacement or repair surgery is a medical procedure that involves the replacement or repair of one or more heart valves that have been damaged or are not functioning properly. The heart valves regulate blood flow through the heart chambers and maintain a one-way flow of blood in the heart. When the valves become damaged or diseased, they may not function properly, leading to a range of heart-related health issues.
Valve replacement or repair surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and involves a surgical incision in the chest to access the heart. The surgeon may then decide whether to replace the valve or repair it.
Valve replacement surgery involves the complete removal of the damaged valve and the replacement with an artificial valve. The artificial valve may be made from animal tissue or synthetic materials such as metal, plastic or carbon which is decided case by case based on the patients demographics and medical history.
There are two types of valve replacement surgery:
Valve repair surgery involves the reconstruction of the damaged valve, allowing it to function properly. This is typically done by reshaping the valve or repairing a tear or hole in the valve. The surgeon may also use a ring or other supportive structure to reinforce the valve and help it function properly.
Valve replacement or repair surgery can provide numerous benefits for patients with damaged or diseased valves. These include:
Valve replacement or repair is a major surgery and therefore does carry risks. Modern technology and surgical techniques have reduced the probability of complications occurring, but it’s still important to be informed of the risks that include:
The decision to repair or replace a heart valve depends on the extent of valve damage, the valve's location, the patient's overall health, and several other factors that our cadiologists and cardiac surgeons will evaluate. Your treatment plan will be customised to you.
The length of time varies case to case and whether the operation is a heart valve repair or replacement, but the expected time is between 2-4 hours.