Aortic Valve Replacement

What this procedure is

Aortic valve replacement is a procedure to replace a damaged or diseased aortic valve. The aortic valve is one of the four valves that control blood flow through the heart. It acts like a one-way door, allowing blood to flow from the heart's main pumping chamber to the rest of the body.

During the procedure, your clinician may remove the damaged valve and replace it with a new one. There are two main types of replacement valves: mechanical valves, which are made of durable materials like metal or carbon, and biological valves, which are made from animal or human heart tissue.

This procedure can be performed through traditional open-heart surgery or through minimally invasive methods. Minimally invasive techniques use smaller incisions to reach the heart, which may help some patients recover more quickly.

What it treats or fixes

This procedure is used to treat problems that prevent the aortic valve from opening or closing correctly. One common issue is aortic valve stenosis, which is when the valve becomes stiff and narrow. This narrowing makes it difficult for the heart to pump enough blood to the rest of the body.

Another condition is aortic valve regurgitation. This happens when the valve does not close all the way, allowing blood to leak backward into the heart. This leakage forces the heart to work much harder to move blood forward.

By replacing the valve, your clinician can help the heart pump more efficiently. The goal is to reduce symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or fatigue, and to prevent long-term damage to the heart muscle.

How common it is & where it's done

Aortic valve replacement is a common and well-established heart procedure. It is performed frequently in hospitals across the United States and Canada. Because it is a standard treatment for valve disease, many medical centers have specialized teams dedicated specifically to heart valve care.

The procedure takes place in a hospital setting, usually in an operating room or a specialized heart laboratory. A team of experts, including heart surgeons and cardiologists (doctors who specialize in the heart), will manage your care before, during, and after the replacement.

Recovery: What to Expect

After your aortic valve replacement, you will likely stay in the hospital for a few days so your care team can monitor your progress. Your clinician may encourage you to start sitting up and walking short distances very soon after the procedure to help your circulation and lungs. This early movement is a key part of a healthy recovery.

Once you return home, recovery is a gradual process. You may be referred to cardiac rehabilitation, which is a supervised program of exercise and education designed to help you regain your strength safely. Most people can return to their normal daily activities within a few weeks or months, depending on the type of surgery performed.

It is important to watch for signs that you need extra help. You should contact your clinician if you notice:

• A fever or chills.
• Redness, swelling, or drainage at the incision site.
• Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain.
• Rapid weight gain or new swelling in your legs or ankles.

Risks & Possible Complications

While aortic valve replacement is a common and successful procedure, it does carry some risks. Your surgical team takes many precautions to prevent these issues. Possible complications may include:

• Bleeding or infection: These can occur at the site where the clinician worked or in the chest.
• Arrhythmias: These are irregular heartbeats that may require medication or a temporary pacemaker to manage.
• Blood clots: Clots can sometimes form, which could lead to a stroke or heart attack, though clinicians use blood-thinning medicines to lower this risk.
• Valve issues: In some cases, the new valve may leak or wear down over many years.

Outcomes & Long-Term Results

The main goal of this procedure is to help you feel better and live longer. Most patients report a significant improvement in their quality of life, including having more energy and less chest pain or shortness of breath. Your long-term results often depend on the type of valve used—either a mechanical valve (made of durable materials like metal) or a biological valve (made from animal tissue).

To keep your heart healthy, you will need regular follow-up appointments with your cardiologist. They will use imaging tests to ensure your new valve is working correctly. Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle, such as eating well and staying active, will also help ensure the best long-term success for your new valve.

Emotional Support & Reassurance

It is very common to feel anxious or overwhelmed when facing heart surgery. Many patients find that their mood fluctuates during recovery, sometimes feeling frustrated or tired. This is a normal part of the healing process as your body adjusts to the changes.

You do not have to go through this alone. Your healthcare team is there to support you, and many hospitals offer support groups where you can talk to others who have had similar experiences. Focusing on small, daily goals can help you stay positive as you regain your strength and return to the activities you enjoy.

Why doctors recommend it

The aortic valve acts like a one-way door that helps blood flow from your heart to the rest of your body. Your clinician may recommend replacing this valve if it is no longer working correctly. This usually happens for two main reasons: the valve has become too narrow (stenosis), or it is leaking (regurgitation).

When the valve is narrow, the heart has to work much harder to pump blood through a small opening. When it leaks, blood flows backward into the heart instead of moving forward. Over time, these issues can strain the heart muscle and lead to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or feeling very tired during daily activities.

Urgent vs planned treatment

In many cases, aortic valve replacement is a planned procedure. Your care team may monitor your heart for years using imaging tests. They often recommend surgery when tests show the valve is reaching a critical level of wear or when you begin to notice symptoms that affect your quality of life.

Sometimes, the treatment may need to happen more quickly. If symptoms appear suddenly or if the heart muscle shows signs of weakening, your clinician might suggest moving forward with the procedure sooner to prevent long-term damage. The timing depends on the severity of the valve issue and your overall health.

Goals of treatment

The primary goal of replacing the aortic valve is to restore healthy blood flow. By putting in a new, functional valve, the heart does not have to work as hard to support the body. This can help protect the heart muscle from stretching or thickening over time.

Success in this treatment often means:

• Reducing symptoms: Many patients find they can breathe more easily and have more energy for physical activity.
• Improving long-term health: A new valve can lower the risk of heart failure and other complications.
• Better quality of life: The procedure aims to help you return to your normal daily routine with fewer physical limits.

Who may benefit

Aortic valve replacement is often recommended for people with aortic valve disease. This condition occurs when the valve between the heart's main pumping chamber and the body's main artery (the aorta) does not work correctly. Your clinician may suggest this surgery if you have aortic valve stenosis, which is a narrowing of the valve that blocks blood flow, or aortic valve regurgitation, which is a leaky valve that lets blood flow backward into the heart.

Many patients benefit from this procedure when they start to feel symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or extreme tiredness. Even if you do not have symptoms yet, your care team might recommend surgery if tests show that the valve issue is putting too much strain on your heart. The goal is to help your heart pump more easily, improve your quality of life, and help you live longer.

When it may not be the right option

While this surgery can be life-changing, it is not the right choice for everyone. Your clinician may decide against it if the risks of the procedure are higher than the potential benefits. For example, if a person has other very serious health conditions, such as advanced lung or kidney disease, they may not be strong enough for the surgery or the recovery process.

In some cases, if the valve damage is mild and not causing symptoms or heart strain, your care team might choose to monitor your condition closely instead of performing surgery right away. They will look at your age, your general health, and how well your heart is currently functioning before making a recommendation. Decisions are often based on whether the procedure will truly improve your daily life or long-term health.

Questions to ask your care team

It is important to feel comfortable with your treatment plan. You may want to bring a list of questions to your next appointment to help you understand your options. Here are some smart questions to consider:

• Why is a valve replacement the best step for me at this time?
• What are the different types of replacement valves, and which one do you recommend for my lifestyle?
• What are the specific risks for me based on my health history?
• How long is the typical recovery time, and what kind of help will I need at home?
• Are there less invasive options, like a TAVR (a procedure using a thin tube), that I might qualify for?
• How will this surgery change my daily activities or the medications I take?

In the procedure room

When you are taken into the procedure room, you will see a team of specialists, including surgeons, nurses, and an anesthesiologist (a doctor who manages sleep and pain). The room is kept very clean and is filled with advanced equipment to monitor your health every second of the surgery.

You will be asked to lie on a padded table. The team will help you get comfortable and will begin placing small sensors on your skin to track your heart rhythm and oxygen levels. This environment is designed to be safe and controlled for your care.

High-level steps

The surgeon begins by making an opening to reach the heart. This may be done through a traditional incision in the chest or a smaller, "minimally invasive" opening, depending on what your clinician recommends for your situation. Once the heart is reached, the following steps typically occur:

• The surgeon may use a heart-lung bypass machine, which does the work of your heart and lungs to keep blood moving through your body during the procedure.
• The damaged aortic valve is carefully removed.
• A new valve is put in its place. This may be a mechanical valve (made of durable materials) or a biological valve (made from tissue).
• The surgeon ensures the new valve is working correctly before closing the incision with stitches or staples.

Anesthesia and pain control

To ensure you are comfortable and do not feel any pain, you will receive general anesthesia. This is a combination of medicines that puts you into a deep sleep for the entire procedure. An anesthesiologist will stay by your side to monitor your comfort and safety.

Your clinician may also use local numbing medicine at the sites where IV lines are placed. After the surgery, you will receive pain-relief medications to help manage any soreness or pressure you might feel as you begin to wake up.

Monitoring and safety steps

Your safety is the top priority throughout the surgery. The medical team uses specialized monitors to track your blood pressure, heart rate, and the amount of oxygen in your blood. If a heart-lung machine is used, it ensures that your brain and other organs continue to receive oxygen-rich blood while the surgeon works on the valve.

The team also follows strict sterile procedures to prevent infection. This includes using specialized drapes and cleaning the skin thoroughly. Every step of the procedure is guided by a safety checklist to ensure the best possible outcome.

Immediately after the procedure

After the surgery is finished, you will be moved to a recovery area, often an intensive care unit (ICU). You will wake up slowly as the anesthesia wears off. It is normal to feel groggy, thirsty, or have a sore throat from the breathing tube used during the procedure.

You will notice several tubes and wires attached to monitors. These are used to help the nurses and doctors watch your heart rhythm and fluid levels closely. While you may feel some pressure or soreness in your chest, your care team will provide medicine to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Typical procedure length

An aortic valve replacement typically takes between 2 and 5 hours. The exact length of time depends on the specific technique used and your individual health needs. Your surgical team will keep your family or loved ones updated on your progress while you are in the procedure room.

Common approaches (open vs minimally invasive)

Surgeons have different ways to reach the heart to replace the aortic valve. The best option for you depends on your overall health, the condition of your heart, and the type of valve problem you have.

• Open-heart surgery: This is the traditional method. The surgeon makes a cut (incision) down the center of the chest through the breastbone. A heart-lung machine takes over the work of the heart during the surgery. This approach gives the surgeon a wide view of the heart and is often used for complex cases.
• Minimally invasive surgery: In this approach, surgeons make smaller cuts. This might involve a smaller cut through part of the breastbone or a cut between the ribs on the right side of the chest. Because the incisions are smaller, patients often have less pain, a lower risk of infection, and a faster recovery compared to open surgery.
• Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): This is a procedure that does not require opening the chest at all. Instead, doctors guide a thin, flexible tube (catheter) with a new valve on it through a blood vessel in your leg or chest up to your heart.

Not everyone is a candidate for minimally invasive options or TAVR. Your doctor will review your medical history and tests to recommend the safest approach for you.

Partial vs total

Most operations on the aortic valve involve a total replacement. In this procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged valve completely and sews in a new one. The new valve can be mechanical (made of metal or carbon) or biological (made from animal or human tissue).

In some cases, surgeons may perform aortic valve repair instead of a full replacement. This is less common for the aortic valve than for other heart valves. During a repair, the surgeon might patch holes in the valve flaps or separate flaps that have fused together. This allows you to keep your own heart tissue, which may help the heart function better. However, repair is not always possible if the valve is too damaged.

Revision or repeat procedures

Sometimes, a replaced valve may need to be treated again in the future. Biological valves (made from tissue) can wear out over time, while mechanical valves are designed to last a lifetime but require blood thinners to prevent clots.

If a biological valve stops working properly, doctors may not always need to perform open-heart surgery again. In some cases, a procedure called a valve-in-valve procedure can be done. This uses the TAVR approach to place a new valve tightly inside the old, failing one. If this is not an option, a repeat surgery may be necessary to remove the old valve and place a new one.

Tests and imaging that may be done

Before your procedure, your healthcare team needs a detailed picture of your heart and overall health. You will likely attend a pre-operative appointment to review your medical history and undergo a physical exam. This helps the surgeon plan the safest approach for your valve replacement.

Your clinician may order several common tests, including:

• Blood and urine tests: To check your kidney function, blood clotting ability, and general health.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): A test that records the electrical activity of your heart to check its rhythm.
• Echocardiogram: An ultrasound that uses sound waves to create images of your heart valves and blood flow.
• Chest X-ray: To view the size and shape of your heart and lungs.
• Cardiac catheterization: A procedure where a thin tube is guided to the heart to check the coronary arteries for blockages.

Medication adjustments

It is essential to give your healthcare provider a complete list of everything you take. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Certain substances can increase the risk of bleeding or interact with anesthesia.

Your doctor may ask you to stop taking specific medications, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants) or aspirin, for a few days before the surgery. However, only stop medicines if your clinician instructs you to do so. They will provide a clear schedule telling you which pills to take and which to skip on the morning of your procedure.

Day-before and day-of instructions

Your care team will give you specific rules to follow as your surgery date approaches. Following these steps helps lower the risk of infection and complications.

• Fasting: You will usually be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery. This often includes water, gum, and mints.
• Skin preparation: You may be given a special antibacterial soap to use in the shower the night before or the morning of the surgery. This helps kill germs on your skin.
• Shaving: Do not shave the area where the incision will be made. Your surgical team will handle any necessary shaving at the hospital to avoid small cuts that could lead to infection.
• What to bring: Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Leave jewelry, watches, and other valuables at home. Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and a list of your medications.
• Support: Plan ahead to have a family member or friend wait at the hospital during your surgery and drive you home when you are discharged.

General surgical risks

As with any major operation, aortic valve replacement carries some general risks. Your surgical team takes significant precautions to keep you safe, but complications can happen. Your specific risk level often depends on your age, your overall health, and the type of procedure performed.

• Bleeding: Some bleeding may occur during or after the surgery.
• Infection: There is a risk of infection at the incision site or deeper within the chest.
• Anesthesia reactions: Some patients may have a reaction to the medication used to put them to sleep.

Procedure-specific complications

There are also risks directly related to working on the heart and valves. One common issue is an irregular heartbeat, also called an arrhythmia. If the heart’s electrical system is affected during the procedure, the heart may beat too slowly or irregularly.

Other potential complications may include:

• Blood clots: Clots can form on the new valve or in the blood vessels. If a clot travels to the brain, it can cause a stroke.
• Valve dysfunction: Over time, a replacement valve may wear out or start to leak.
• Organ strain: In some cases, the surgery may place temporary stress on the kidneys or lungs.

How complications are treated

Most complications are treatable, especially when caught early. During your hospital stay, your care team will monitor your vital signs closely to manage any changes in your condition immediately.

Common management strategies include:

• Medication: Doctors may prescribe blood thinners (anticoagulants) to prevent clots or medicine to control heart rhythm.
• Pacemakers: If an irregular heartbeat persists, a temporary or permanent pacemaker may be implanted to regulate the heartbeat.
• Antibiotics: These are used to treat or prevent infections.

Long-term follow-up visits are essential. These check-ups allow your clinician to monitor the new valve and ensure your heart is recovering well.

Pain control medicines

After your procedure, your clinician may provide different types of medicine to help you stay comfortable. Managing pain is a key part of recovery because it allows you to breathe deeply and start moving sooner, which helps prevent complications like pneumonia.

Common options include:

• Acetaminophen: A standard medicine used to reduce mild to moderate pain and fever.
• Stronger pain relievers: In the first few days after surgery, your care team might use stronger medications to manage more intense discomfort.

Your clinician will tailor your pain plan to your specific needs. It is important to report any allergies or past reactions to pain medications to your medical team to ensure your safety.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent or treat infections caused by bacteria. Because heart valve surgery carries a small risk of infection, your clinician may give you these medicines through an IV (a tube in your vein) before and shortly after the procedure.

Long-term, people with replacement valves may need to take antibiotics before certain dental or medical procedures. This helps prevent endocarditis, which is a serious infection of the heart's lining or valves. Your care team will let you know if this is necessary for you and how to manage it during future healthcare visits.

Blood thinners and clot prevention

Blood thinners, also called anticoagulants or antiplatelets, help prevent blood clots from forming on or around your new valve. Clots can be dangerous because they may block blood flow or travel to the brain, causing a stroke.

The type of medicine you need often depends on the type of valve you receive:

• Mechanical valves: These are made of durable materials like metal. If you have a mechanical valve, your clinician will likely prescribe a blood thinner like warfarin for the rest of your life.
• Biological valves: These are made from animal or human tissue. You may only need blood thinners for a few months, or your clinician may recommend daily aspirin instead.

Because these medicines affect how your blood clots, they can increase the risk of bleeding. Your clinician will monitor you closely and may suggest regular blood tests to ensure your dose is safe and effective. Always discuss new medications or supplements with your doctor to avoid harmful interactions.

Emergency warning signs

While serious complications are rare, it is important to act quickly if they happen. You or a caregiver should call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you experience symptoms that could signal a heart attack, stroke, or severe breathing problem.

• Chest pain: Sudden pressure, squeezing, or pain in your chest that does not go away.
• Signs of stroke: Sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), confusion, trouble speaking, or sudden vision changes.
• Breathing trouble: Severe shortness of breath that does not improve when you rest.
• Fainting: Passing out or feeling like you are about to pass out.
• Coughing up blood: Any bright red blood when you cough.

Call your surgeon or clinic if…

Some symptoms may not be life-threatening emergencies but still require prompt attention from your healthcare team. Your clinician will provide specific instructions on who to call during your recovery.

Reach out to your doctor if you notice:

• Signs of infection: A fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C), chills, or increased sweating.
• Incision issues: New redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage (pus or fluid) around your surgical cut.
• Fluid retention: Sudden weight gain (such as 2 to 3 pounds in one day) or new swelling in your ankles or feet.
• Heart rhythm changes: A fast, racing, or irregular heartbeat (palpitations) that makes you feel lightheaded or tired.

Expected vs concerning symptoms

It is normal to feel tired and sore as your body heals. Knowing the difference between normal recovery and concerning signs can help you stay calm.

• Pain: Most people have some soreness or muscle tightness in the chest. It is concerning if the pain is sharp, gets worse suddenly, or is not helped by your pain medicine.
• Fatigue: It is normal to tire easily and need naps. It is concerning if you are too short of breath to talk or cannot do basic activities without gasping for air.
• Appetite: It is common to have a low appetite at first. It is concerning if nausea or vomiting prevents you from drinking fluids or taking your medications.
• Valve sounds: If you have a mechanical valve, it is often normal to hear a quiet clicking sound. It is concerning if you feel new fluttering sensations accompanied by dizziness or shortness of breath.

Non-surgical treatments

Currently, there are no medications that can fix a damaged aortic valve. However, your clinician may prescribe medicines to help manage your symptoms or reduce the strain on your heart. These treatments often focus on controlling blood pressure, managing heart rhythm, or using diuretics (water pills) to reduce fluid buildup in the body.

For some patients, a less invasive procedure called TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement) may be an alternative to traditional open-heart surgery. This method uses a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to place a new valve through a small incision, usually in the leg. While this is still a procedure, it is often considered for patients who may have a higher risk of complications from standard surgery.

Watchful waiting

If your valve condition is mild or moderate and you are not experiencing symptoms, your clinician may suggest "watchful waiting." This is also called active surveillance. During this period, the goal is to monitor the valve closely to ensure it is not getting worse while avoiding the risks of a procedure until it is truly necessary.

During watchful waiting, you can expect the following:

• Regular Imaging: You will likely have an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) at set intervals to check how well the valve is opening and closing.
• Symptom Tracking: Your care team will ask you to report any new changes in your energy levels, such as feeling unusually tired or short of breath during normal activities.
• Physical Exams: Regular visits allow your clinician to listen to your heart for changes in sounds, such as a heart murmur.

When surgery becomes the best option

Surgery or a replacement procedure is usually recommended when the valve damage becomes severe or begins to cause physical symptoms. If the aortic valve is too narrow (stenosis) or leaks too much (regurgitation), the heart must work much harder to pump blood. Over time, this extra work can cause the heart muscle to weaken or become enlarged.

Your clinician may decide it is time for a replacement if:

• You begin to experience chest pain, fainting spells, or significant shortness of breath.
• Tests show that your heart's pumping strength is starting to decrease.
• The valve damage has reached a stage where waiting longer might lead to permanent heart failure.

The decision to move forward with surgery is based on balancing the risks of the procedure against the risk of leaving the valve as it is. The main goal of a replacement is to improve your quality of life and help your heart function more effectively.

Hospital services that commonly perform this surgery

Aortic valve replacement is typically performed in specialized heart centers or large hospitals with dedicated cardiovascular departments. These facilities house multidisciplinary teams, which are groups of different specialists working together. Your team may include cardiac surgeons (doctors who perform heart operations) and cardiologists (doctors who specialize in heart health and imaging).

In addition to the surgical suite, these hospitals provide specialized intensive care units (ICU) where patients are closely monitored after the procedure. Your clinician may also involve cardiac anesthesiologists, who specialize in managing pain and sedation for heart patients, to ensure safety throughout the surgery.

Patient resources and support services

Most heart centers provide access to cardiac rehabilitation. This is a structured program that includes supervised exercise, nutrition counseling, and education on heart health to help you recover safely. Participating in these programs can help improve your strength and long-term heart function.

Support services also often include social workers or patient navigators. These staff members help you coordinate your care, manage insurance questions, and plan for your needs after you leave the hospital. They can also connect you with support groups where you can talk to other people who have undergone similar heart valve procedures.

Questions for choosing where to have surgery

Choosing where to have your surgery is an important step. You may want to use this checklist when speaking with your clinician or hospital representatives:

• How many aortic valve replacement procedures does this facility perform annually?
• Does the hospital offer both traditional surgery and minimally invasive options, such as TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve replacement)?
• What specific support services, like cardiac rehab, are available during recovery?
• How does the hospital’s success rate for this procedure compare to national standards?
• Who will be the main point of contact for my family during and after the surgery?

Conditions commonly treated by this procedure

Aortic valve replacement is often used to treat conditions where the aortic valve—the "doorway" between the heart and the rest of the body—is not working correctly. When this valve is damaged, the heart has to work much harder to pump blood to the rest of the system.

• Aortic Stenosis: This happens when the valve becomes stiff or narrow. This narrowing can be caused by calcium buildup or wear and tear over time, making it difficult for blood to flow through the opening.
• Aortic Regurgitation: Also called aortic insufficiency, this occurs when the valve does not close completely. This allows blood to leak backward into the heart instead of moving forward to the body.
• Congenital Heart Defects: Some individuals are born with an aortic valve that has a different shape, such as a bicuspid valve (having two flaps instead of three), which may eventually require treatment.

Related symptoms people search for

People who may need a valve replacement often notice changes in how they feel during daily activities. While these symptoms can be caused by many different things, your clinician may evaluate them to see if they are related to your heart valve.

• Shortness of breath: You might feel winded or have trouble catching your breath, especially when you are exercising or lying down.
• Chest pain: This may feel like pressure, tightness, or discomfort in the chest area during physical activity.
• Fatigue: You might feel unusually tired or notice that you have less energy for your normal routine than you used to.
• Dizziness or fainting: Feeling lightheaded or passing out can sometimes be associated with heart valve issues.
• Heart palpitations: This is the feeling that your heart is beating too fast, fluttering, or skipping a beat.

Evidence overview

Aortic valve replacement is a widely accepted and well-studied treatment for severe aortic valve disease. Medical researchers and surgeons have performed and refined this procedure for decades. The primary goal is to restore proper blood flow through the heart, which helps relieve symptoms like chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

Clinical studies and data from major medical centers show that replacing a damaged valve can significantly improve a patient's quality of life and life expectancy. There are different approaches to the procedure, ranging from traditional open-heart surgery to minimally invasive options like Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). Your care team uses evidence from these studies to determine which method offers the best balance of safety and durability for your specific situation.

Safety notes and individualized care

While aortic valve replacement is considered a standard and effective procedure, all surgeries carry some level of risk. Your specific risks depend heavily on your age, the condition of your heart, and your overall health.

Commonly discussed risks may include:

• Infection or bleeding at the surgical site
• Blood clots that could travel to other parts of the body
• Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), which may require a temporary or permanent pacemaker
• Wear and tear on the new valve over time, especially with biological (tissue) valves

Your personalized plan: Your clinicians will evaluate your medical history to manage these risks. For example, a multidisciplinary "heart team"—often including surgeons and cardiologists—reviews your tests to decide if a mechanical valve or a tissue valve is safer for you. They also assess whether a minimally invasive approach might lower your recovery time and reduce surgical risks.

Sources used

The content above is based on patient education materials and clinical guidelines from reputable academic medical centers and peer-reviewed medical journals.