Our heart is a pump and needs healthy valves to function optimally. There are 4 valves in our heart, two located between the chambers (Mitral and Tricuspid) and the other two located between the chambers and blood vessels (Aortic and Pulmonary Valves). When open, the valves allow the blood to flow only in one direction; when closed, these valves form a strong seal between the different chambers of heart as well as blood vessels.
Types of Heart valve malfunction
- Leaky Valve (Regurgiation) that enables the blood to flow in a reverse direction
- Narrowed valve (Stenosis), in which there is a narrowing, thickening and fusion of valve leaflets that restricts the blood flow across the valve.
When is Valve repair or replacement required?
It is required if the valve has been damaged due to:
- Congenital Heart Defect
- Endocarditis
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Aging/Degenerative
Types of Valve Surgeries?
Depending upon the extent and location of damage, valves can be either repaired or replaced by different procedures like:
- For Valve Narrowing (Stenosis) : Closed or open valvulotomy is performed. In this procedure, an incision is made in a fused/narrow valve to restore the valve opening. However, if the restructure of the valve is deranged then a valve replacement is done using a mechanical/metallic (St. Jude or Medtronic Valve) or a bioprosthetic (porcine valve).
- Valve Regurgitation : Advanced repair techniques are used for valve leaflets as well as subvalvular apparatus. In case, its repairing is not feasible then valve replacement is done. We are equipped with cardiac surgeons who specialize in repair techniques for regurgitant mitral valves. Valve replacement is only done for extreme structural abnormality of mitral valve.
