Valve Repair and Replacement

Note: Heart valves ensure one-way, efficient flow between chambers. Stenosis or regurgitation makes the heart work harder; over time dilatation and heart failure may develop.

Valve repair

Native tissue is preserved with leaflet, chordal or annular correction. Long term, natural histology often reduces anticoagulation needs and infection profile is favourable. Mitral regurgitation and selected aortic pathology may be approached minimally invasively in suitable patients.

Valve replacement

Mechanical prosthesis

Durable; lifelong or long-term anticoagulation usually required.

Bioprosthesis

Less anticoagulation; structural degeneration planned with age and life expectancy.

Who is it for?

Significant stenosis or regurgitation
Chest pain, exertional dyspnoea, palpitations
Marked left ventricular dilatation / failure
Re-evaluation after prior valve or cardiac surgery

After surgery

Hospital stay often 5–7 days; controlled activity early, return to daily life targeted at 4–6 weeks. Regular cardiology and echocardiography follow-up matter.

Repair or replace? Repair is preferred when feasible; replacement when tissue is too damaged. The heart team decides using age, valve type, rhythm, comorbidities and imaging.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) restores blood flow when coronary arteries are blocked, using grafts. Informative guide: symptoms, graft choice, off-pump and minimally invasive options, recovery, and stent versus bypass decisions.

Small-incision (minimally invasive) cardiac surgery avoids full sternotomy for mitral/aortic valve work, selected bypass and some congenital procedures, aiming for less pain and faster discharge. Eligibility, advantages and FAQ.

Mitral, aortic and other valves with stenosis or regurgitation: repair preserves the native valve when possible; otherwise mechanical or bioprosthetic replacement. Minimally invasive options and recovery summary.

Varicose veins: EVLA, radiofrequency, sclerotherapy and surgery when needed; symptoms, supportive measures and long-term follow-up — informative overview.

Aortic aneurysm and dissection: open surgery and endovascular (stent-graft) approaches. Arrhythmias: drugs, ablation and device therapy — emphasis on early diagnosis and follow-up.

Intracardiac mass symptoms, diagnosis with echocardiography and advanced imaging, surgical excision, follow-up and multidisciplinary care for malignant lesions — overview.

Peripheral arterial disease: claudication, critical limb ischaemia and ulcers — balloon, stent, atherectomy, bypass and endarterectomy; integrated view with varicose vein care.

Peripheral arterial stenosis: transfemoral or transradial catheter balloon angioplasty and drug-eluting stent when indicated; indications, benefits, follow-up and FAQ.

Chronic kidney failure: AV fistula, AV graft and catheter access for haemodialysis; maturation time, benefits, risks and care advice.