Understanding Heart Valve Surgery

Your heart’s four valves ensure smooth blood flow. When damaged, they may not open or close properly, causing health complications. Heart valve surgery repairs or replaces these valves to restore proper function.

Mitral Valve Replacement: Restoring Left Atrial-Ventricle Flow

The mitral valve controls blood flow between the heart’s left chambers. A damaged mitral valve can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, and heart palpitations. Mitral valve replacement offers a

solution:

• Types of Replacement Valves:
• Mechanical Valves: Durable, lasting a lifetime, but requiring blood-thinning medication.
• Biological Valves: Made from animal tissue, they may not last as long but avoid long-term medication needs.

Aortic Valve Repair: Preserving Your Natural Valve

The aortic valve controls blood flow from the heart to the body. Aortic valve repair, when possible, is preferred over replacement as it preserves your own valve tissue, Benefits include:

Maintains Natural Valve: Offers potentially better long-term outcomes.

Reduces Medication Needs: Unlike mechanical valves, repaired valves typically don’t require long-term blood thinners.

Double Valve Replacement: Addressing Two Valves in One Procedure

When both mitral and aortic valves are damaged, double valve replacement replaces them simultaneously. This surgery offers:

Comprehensive Treatment: Addresses both valves at once, avoiding multiple surgeries.

Enhanced Heart Function: Improves overall heart function and alleviates symptoms more effectively.