Heart Valve Repair and Replacement
What is Heart Valve Repair?
Heart valve repair is a surgical procedure to fix a damaged valve. It is commonly preferred for mitral and tricuspid valves. During repair, the patient’s own valve structure is preserved; techniques such as suturing, ring implantation, or reshaping may be performed. Repair is considered the ideal option because it maintains the valve’s natural structure.
What is Heart Valve Replacement?
When repair is not possible, the valve is completely removed and replaced with an artificial valve. This procedure is called “heart valve replacement.” The types of valves used are:
- Mechanical Valves: Durable but require lifelong blood-thinning medication.
- Biological (Tissue) Valves: Made from animal tissue, typically last 10-15 years, and require less blood-thinning medication.
When is repair preferred, and when is replacement chosen?
The type and severity of the heart valve disease, the valve structure, and the patient’s age determine the treatment choice. Repair is preferred in younger patients and when the valve structure is suitable. However, if the valve is severely damaged or a previous repair attempt has failed, valve replacement is performed.
Postoperative Process
The recovery time after surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed. Patients are usually kept in intensive care for a few days, then transferred to a regular ward. Physical activity is gradually increased. Regular use of blood-thinning medications and lifestyle changes to maintain heart health are important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Repair is generally more advantageous as long as the valve structure is suitable because the patient’s own valve is preserved and the need for long-term blood thinners is reduced. However, replacement is preferred in cases of severe structural damage.
Mechanical valves are durable for life but require lifelong blood-thinning medication. Biological valves typically last 10-15 years and require less medication, making them especially suitable for elderly patients.
On average, it can take between 3 to 5 hours. The duration varies depending on the number of valves involved, whether it is a repair or replacement, and the patient’s overall health condition.
The hospital stay after surgery typically lasts 5-10 days. Full recovery and return to daily life may take 6-8 weeks. This period can be shorter with minimally invasive methods.
Patients with mechanical valves must take blood thinners lifelong. Those with biological valves usually require short-term medication. Medication use may be more limited in patients who underwent valve repair.