Heart valve repair or replacement is a critical procedure performed to address malfunctioning heart valves that impair blood flow through the heart. There are two main approaches:
✔ Valve Repair: Preserves your natural valve through reconstruction
✔ Valve Replacement: Substitutes damaged valve with prosthetic (mechanical or biological)
Common conditions requiring intervention:
Aortic stenosis (narrowed valve)
Mitral regurgitation (leaky valve)
Valve calcification (stiffened leaflets)
Congenital valve defects
| Repair | Replacement | |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure | Reshapes the existing valve | Implants new valve |
| Best For | Mitral/tricuspid valves | Severe aortic cases |
| Recovery | Typically faster | Longer adjustment |
| Lifespan | Natural valve durability | Mechanical: 20-30 yrs Biological: 10-15 yrs |
Sternotomy incision
Heart-lung machine used
Smaller incisions (ribcage)
Faster recovery
For aortic valves
No open surgery required
Last decades
Require blood thinners
Audible clicking
From animal/human tissue
No blood thinners
Limited lifespan
Hospital Stay: 3-7 days
Full Recovery: 6-12 weeks
Activity Restrictions:
No driving for 2-4 weeks
No heavy lifting for 6 weeks
✅ Improved energy levels
✅ Reduced symptoms (breathlessness, swelling)
✅ Long-term survival benefits
⚠ Lifelong monitoring required
Dr. Elham Looti Sharokh is a highly accomplished cardiologist and associate professor, recognized for her exceptional expertise in interventional cardiology and commitment to advancing […]