Valve Repair & Replacement
Who is it for?
Repairing a diseased valve
In some cases, blood flow through the heart valves can be improved by surgically separating the valve’s leaflets or removing tissues that are obstructing the valve. Valve repair may be a good option for some patients, such as when:
- An infant’s valve leaflets are fused together
- A patient has tissue on or near the valve that interferes with blood flow through the valve
- An adult’s valve is damaged to the point of causing severe narrowing or leakage
Advantages of valve repair over replacement include the following:
- Less risk of infection
- Less need for lifelong use of blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants)
- Improvement of heart function by preserving the structure of the mitral valve
Replacing a diseased valve
If your valve can’t be repaired and must be replaced, your surgeon will implant one of the mechanical, manufactured, or biological valves described in the following table.
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Mechanical Valves
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Tissue or Biological Valves
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What are they? |
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Benefits |
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Risks/Disadvantages |
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Special consideration for women of child-bearing age
Although mechanical valves have long-term durability, taking some blood-thinning medications may cause birth defects, depending on when they are taken. Women of child-bearing age who are concerned about the possible risks to babies born of future pregnancies often opt for a tissue or biological valve and then, if necessary, have the valve replaced with a mechanical valve later.
It’s important to talk with your doctor to help you weigh the risks and benefits associated with each type of valve so that you choose the valve that’s right for you.