Valve Repair or Replacement

Normal valves are thin, smooth structures that direct blood flow through the heart's chambers. The valves can be changed or damaged by birth defects, infection, rheumatic heart disease, or age. Over time, scarring or thickening of the valve can occur. With these changes, the valves become harder to open (stenosis) or can't close all the way (regurgitation). The aortic and mitral valves are the ones most commonly affected.

When valves do not open and close as they should, less blood is pumped to the body. This causes the heart to pump harder. If the heart is unable to do this, heart failure occurs. Blood is not emptied out of the heart and it backs up into the lungs and other parts of the body. As a result, shortness of breath, leg swelling, coughing, or fatigue occur. Medicines can improve the heart's pumping and relieve the heart failure. Surgery is often needed to improve the heart's function.

When possible, your own heart valve is repaired. More often the damaged heart valve must be replaced. Some people feel better right after surgery because their symptoms are relieved. For most people, it takes a few months before they feel the benefits of the heart valve surgery. It takes time for the heart to recover from the extra work it was doing before the surgery.

The replacement valve will be either a mechanical valve or tissue valve. The tissue valve may be porcine (pig tissue), bovine (cow tissue), or human. Your surgeon will recommend the type of valve that's best for you. Some factors to consider include age, your disease, the size of your heart, and your ability and willingness to take blood thinner medicines. Your feelings and ideas will be discussed and considered in the planning of the operation.