Heart Valve Repair

A heart valve does a simple but very important job. It opens when blood needs to pass and closes to stop it from flowing backward. If a valve becomes damaged or does not open and close properly, the heart may have to work harder than usual. In such cases, doctors may suggest Heart valve repair instead of replacing the valve.

What Is Heart Valve Repair?

Heart valve repair means fixing the patient’s existing valve so that it can work more normally. The valve is not removed during a repair procedure.

The type of repair depends on the problem. A surgeon may:

• Remove a small amount of extra valve tissue.
• Repair or replace damaged supporting cords.
• Reshape the valve so it closes properly.
• Strengthen the valve with a supporting ring.
• Repair a small defect in the valve when possible.

Not every valve can be repaired. The decision depends on the condition of the valve, the patient’s overall health, and the findings from heart tests.

Why Might Someone Need Valve Repair?

Valve disease can develop for different reasons. Some people are born with an abnormal valve, while others develop a problem later in life.

Common reasons include:

• Age-related changes in the valve
• Heart valve infection
• Rheumatic heart disease
• Congenital valve problems
• Mitral valve prolapse
• Damage caused by other heart conditions

Some patients have no clear symptoms at first. Others may notice that they become tired or breathless during activities that were previously easy.

Possible symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort
• Dizziness
• Feeling unusually weak or tired
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Swelling in the ankles or feet

If these symptoms become frequent, a doctor may recommend further heart evaluation.

How Is Heart Valve Repair Done?

The treatment begins with a detailed examination. An echocardiogram is commonly used to see how the valve is opening and closing and whether blood is leaking backward.

Other tests may include an ECG, chest X-ray, blood tests, CT scan, or cardiac catheterisation, depending on the patient’s condition.

During Heart valve repair, the surgeon works on the damaged part of the valve. Traditional surgery may involve opening the chest, while selected patients may be suitable for minimally invasive procedures. The approach is decided after reviewing the patient’s test results.

Recovery After Surgery

Recovery is different for every patient. After the operation, the patient stays under observation while the medical team checks heart function and overall recovery.

Before going home, the doctor may provide advice about:

• Medicines and their timing
• Physical activity
• Diet and lifestyle
• Wound care
• Follow-up appointments

Heavy activity is generally avoided during the early recovery period. Gradually, normal activities can be resumed according to the doctor’s advice.

Benefits of Heart Valve Repair

When repair is possible, keeping the patient’s own valve can be an important advantage. Heart valve repair may improve blood flow and reduce problems caused by a faulty valve.

It may also reduce the need for some long-term treatment that can be associated with certain valve replacements. However, the results depend on the type and severity of valve disease.

Heart Valve Treatment in India

India has cardiac hospitals with experienced cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, diagnostic facilities, and modern treatment options. Patients travelling from other countries can receive evaluation and treatment based on their individual condition.

For patients considering Heart valve repair, a consultation with a cardiologist and cardiac surgeon is important before deciding on the procedure.