Heart valve replacement / repair surgery

Category: Heart Tests & Procedures · All heart tests & procedures

What it is

Heart valve surgery repairs or replaces a valve that is narrowed (stenosis) or leaking (regurgitation). Replacement valves are either mechanical (man-made) or tissue (from animal tissue), and the choice is discussed with you in advance.

Why it is done

It is used for severe aortic or mitral valve disease causing symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, fainting or heart failure, or when the heart is beginning to suffer even before symptoms are severe.

How to prepare

You will have detailed heart scans, blood tests, dental checks (because dental infection can seed a new valve), and planning of medicines. The surgeon will discuss mechanical versus tissue valves, including their effects on blood-thinning treatment and future procedures.

What happens during the procedure

Under general anaesthetic through the breastbone (sometimes through a smaller cut), the heart-lung machine supports circulation while the valve is repaired or replaced. Surgery typically takes three to four hours, followed by intensive care.

Afterwards — recovery & results

Hospital recovery is usually about a week, with full recovery over two to three months supported by cardiac rehabilitation. If you receive a mechanical valve you will need lifelong blood-thinning treatment with warfarin and regular blood tests; tissue valves usually need it only for a period.

Risks & considerations

Risks include bleeding, infection, stroke, rhythm problems (sometimes needing a pacemaker), and — over years — wear of tissue valves or clotting risk with mechanical valves if anticoagulation is not maintained. Your team will give you your individual risk picture.

Watch: Heart valve replacement / repair surgery videos

Real procedure videos from the MedicalVideos.com library. Some clinical footage is graphic — that is the nature of a medical video library.

▶ WatchAortic heart valve replacement surgeryWatch on MedicalVideos.com ▶ WatchHeart valve surgery animationWatch on MedicalVideos.com ▶ WatchA real aortic valve replacementWatch on MedicalVideos.com

Frequently asked questions

Which valve type is better?

Neither is universally better. Mechanical valves last longer but need lifelong warfarin; tissue valves avoid long-term warfarin but wear out over years and may need redoing. Age, lifestyle and preference all factor in.

Will I need antibiotics at the dentist afterwards?

People with replacement valves are usually advised about meticulous dental hygiene, and some need antibiotic cover for certain dental procedures. Your valve clinic will give you written guidance.

Related procedures — Heart Tests & Procedures

Angioplasty and stent (PCI)Cardiac ablation (catheter ablation)Cardiac catheterisation — right heart cath Cardiac event recorder / patch monitor Cardioversion (DC shock treatment)Coronary angiogram (cardiac catheterisation)

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Please note: This page is educational information about a medical procedure or test. It does not replace the instructions of your own care team, who know your situation and whose preparation, fasting and medication advice you should follow if it differs from anything here. If you have symptoms that worry you, or an appointment you do not understand, contact your clinical team.