Heart procedure
Heart Valve Replacement
Heart valve replacement replaces a diseased heart valve with an artificial one to restore normal blood flow through the heart.
Quick answer
Heart Valve Replacement: what it is, why it's done and what happens
Heart valve surgery repairs or replaces a valve that is narrowed or leaking. Replacement uses either a mechanical valve (long-lasting but needing blood thinners) or a tissue valve (from animal or human tissue).
- Why it is done: It is used for severe valve disease — narrowing (stenosis) or leaking (regurgitation) — that causes symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain or fainting, or that is straining the heart.
- What happens: Traditionally done as open-heart surgery under general anaesthetic using a heart-lung machine, taking several hours.
What it is
Heart valve surgery repairs or replaces a valve that is narrowed or leaking. Replacement uses either a mechanical valve (long-lasting but needing blood thinners) or a tissue valve (from animal or human tissue).
Why it is done
It is used for severe valve disease — narrowing (stenosis) or leaking (regurgitation) — that causes symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain or fainting, or that is straining the heart.
What happens
Traditionally done as open-heart surgery under general anaesthetic using a heart-lung machine, taking several hours. Some valves can now be replaced through a catheter without opening the chest.
Recovery
After open surgery, a hospital stay of about a week and recovery over 2–3 months is usual, supported by cardiac rehabilitation. Catheter-based procedures often allow quicker recovery.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Risks include bleeding, infection, stroke and irregular heart rhythms. Mechanical valves require lifelong blood thinners, while tissue valves may wear out and need replacing later.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Heart Valve Replacement: frequently asked questions
Should I have a mechanical or tissue valve?
Mechanical valves last longer but need lifelong blood-thinning medicine, while tissue valves avoid that but may wear out over time. The choice depends on your age, health and preferences, discussed with your team.
Can a valve be replaced without open surgery?
For some patients, particularly with the aortic valve, replacement can be done through a catheter (such as TAVI) without opening the chest. Suitability depends on the valve and your overall health.
Related
Other heart procedure
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- British Cardiovascular Society / relevant professional body
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