Patient guide

Heart Valve Surgery: Repair, Replacement and Recovery

Understand what happens when a heart valve is narrowed, leaky or infected.

What do heart valves do?

Heart valves act like one-way doors. They open to let blood move forward and close to prevent it flowing backward. A valve can become narrow (stenosis), leaky (regurgitation) or damaged by infection.

How is a valve problem assessed?

An echocardiogram is often central to assessment. The team also considers symptoms, heart rhythm, blood pressure, kidney function, age, pregnancy plans and the effect on heart chambers. Sometimes CT, cardiac catheterisation or a transoesophageal echo is needed.

Repair or replacement?

Repair preserves the patient’s own valve when it is suitable. Replacement uses a biological or mechanical valve when repair would not provide a durable result. Each choice has different follow-up and medication implications, which the surgeon will explain.

Preparing for surgery

• Bring every echo report and previous scan, not only the latest summary.
• Share dental, infection and bleeding history.
• Ask about anticoagulants, fasting, blood tests and family support after discharge.

Recovery and follow-up

Patients usually progress from monitored care to walking, breathing exercises and a home recovery plan. Follow-up checks may include wound review, medicines, rhythm monitoring and repeat echocardiography.

FAQs

Does every valve problem need surgery?

No. Some patients are monitored or treated with medicines; the timing depends on symptoms, valve severity and heart response.

Can valve surgery be minimally invasive?

Some patients may be suitable for smaller-access surgery or catheter-based treatment. Suitability requires detailed imaging and clinical assessment.

Request a valve-surgery discussion