Heart Valve Surgery | Repair and Replacement
Heart valve surgery may treat selected cases of significant stenosis or regurgitation. Treatment may involve repairing the native valve or replacing it with a mechanical or tissue prosthesis, according to the diagnosis and the patient's circumstances.
Repair or replacement?
Repair is often preferred where a durable, safe repair is feasible, particularly for certain mitral regurgitation cases. Severely damaged valves may require replacement.
Mechanical and tissue valves
The trade-offs differ: mechanical valves generally require lifelong anticoagulation, while tissue valves may deteriorate over time. Valve choice is individualized and requires medical review.
Minimally invasive approaches
Some operations can be performed through smaller incisions without dividing the breastbone in selected cases, but safety and long-term results matter more than incision size.
Further medical reading
Independent educational references; individual treatment choices require a clinical assessment.