Understanding Heart Valves

The heart has four valves that regulate blood flow:

• Aortic valve
• Mitral valve
• Tricuspid valve
• Pulmonary valve

Healthy valves open fully and close tightly. Valve disease occurs when a valve becomes leaky (regurgitation) or narrowed (stenosis), causing the heart to work harder and leading to symptoms.

When Is Valve Repair Recommended?

Valve repair is recommended when:

• Valve leakage is severe
• Symptoms such as breathlessness or fatigue are present
• The heart chambers begin to enlarge
• Heart function starts to decline
• The valve anatomy is suitable for repair
• Early intervention can prevent permanent heart damage

Repair is especially beneficial when done before severe heart failure develops.

Types of Heart Valve Repair

1. Mitral Valve Repair

Common techniques include:

• Ring annuloplasty (tightening the valve opening)
• Repair of torn valve leaflets
• Chordal repair or replacement
• Removal of excess valve tissue

2. Tricuspid Valve Repair

• Annuloplasty ring placement
• Often performed with left-sided valve surgery

3. Aortic Valve Repair

• Reshaping valve leaflets
• Repairing valve support structures
• Selected cases only

How Is Heart Valve Repair Performed?

Preoperative Evaluation

• Echocardiogram (TTE/TEE)
• ECG
• Blood tests
• CT scan or angiography (if needed)
• Anesthesia assessment

During Surgery

• General anesthesia is administered
• Access to the heart is obtained (open or minimally invasive)
• Heart is temporarily stopped (in most cases)
• Valve is carefully examined
• Repair techniques are applied
• Valve function is tested before closure

Surgery usually lasts 3–5 hours, depending on complexity.

Minimally Invasive and Advanced Repair Techniques

Minimally Invasive Valve Repair

• Small chest incisions
• Less pain and faster recovery
• Excellent cosmetic results
• Suitable for selected patients

Robotic-Assisted Valve Repair

• High precision and accuracy
• Reduced trauma
• Faster return to normal activities

Benefits of Heart Valve Repair

Valve repair offers many advantages over valve replacement:

• Preserves the natural valve
• Better heart pumping function
• No need for lifelong blood thinners (in most cases)
• Lower risk of infection
• Improved long-term survival
• Better quality of life

Recovery After Heart Valve Repair

Hospital Recovery

• ICU stay: 1–2 days
• Hospital stay: 4–7 days
• Pain management and wound care
• Early mobilization

Home Recovery

• Light activities within a few weeks
• Avoid heavy lifting for 6–8 weeks
• Follow prescribed medications
• Attend cardiac rehabilitation

Full recovery typically takes 6–10 weeks.

Risks and Possible Complications

Although valve repair is safe, potential risks include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Stroke (rare)
• Need for reoperation (rare)
• Incomplete repair

Complication rates are lower compared to valve replacement.

Life After Heart Valve Repair

After successful repair:

• Most patients return to normal activities
• Regular follow-up with echocardiograms is required
• Antibiotics may be needed before certain dental procedures
• Healthy lifestyle is essential to protect heart function

Success Rate and Durability

• High success rates in experienced centers
• Excellent long-term durability, especially for mitral valve repair
• Lower recurrence of symptoms
• Reduced need for future surgeries

Who Is a Good Candidate for Valve Repair?

Ideal candidates include:

• Patients with valve leakage rather than severe calcification
• Early-stage valve disease
• Good valve tissue quality
• Patients treated at specialized heart centers

Your cardiac surgeon and cardiologist will evaluate the feasibility of repair.