Valve Repair / Replacement

Valve Repair / Replacement - What it is

A valve is a structure in the body that allows fluid to move along the body. The main heart valves are the aortic, pulmonary, tricuspid and mitral valves. These valves work in coordinated movements, so that while the mitral and tricuspid valves open to allow blood to flow into the heart for example, the aortic and pulmonary valves remain closed. This ensures one-directional blood flow for proper blood circulation.

Valve Repair / Replacement - Symptoms

Valve Repair / Replacement - How to prevent?

Valve Repair / Replacement - Causes and Risk Factors

Valves that are not functioning correctly can either be repaired or replaced. Examples of a valve not functioning correctly are when it is stenotic (narrowed) or incompetent (leaky), causing blood to leak back into the heart when it should flow out of the heart. Valves that are not repaired lead to heart disease and mortality.

Valve repair (also called valvuloplasty) is a procedure whereby the surgeon fixes a faulty valve, The mitral valve is the most commonly repaired valve, but the aortic and tricuspid valves may also undergo some of these repair techniques. During surgical repair of valve defects, such as mitral incompetency, the surgeon reconstructs the valve so that it can close properly. Valve repair is only suitable for selected patients.

If the valves are severely damaged, replacement of the valve will be necessary. The replacement is from an artificial valve and can be made of metal, or biologic animal tissue.

Who is it for?

Patients benefiting from valve repair and replacement are those suffering from valvular heart disease. The advantages of valve repair are:

lower risk of infection
decreased need for life-long blood thinner medication
preserved heart muscle strength
reduced risk of stroke and increased long-term survival

Valve Repair / Replacement - Diagnosis

Valve Repair / Replacement - Treatments

Valve Repair / Replacement - Preparing for surgery

Valve Repair / Replacement - Post-surgery care

Valve Repair / Replacement - Other Information

Overview

Cardiothoracic Surgery

Article contributed by Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, National Heart Centre Singapore

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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