Prosthetic Valves

Prosthetic valves are designed to perform the same functions as native valves. These valves are used to combat against reverse flow of blood caused by a weakened valve.

Who Needs a Prosthetic Heart Valve?

Patients may require valve replacement due to:

• Severe mitral stenosis or aortic stenosis (narrowing that restricts blood flow)
• Severe mitral regurgitation or aortic regurgitation (leaking that causes heart strain)
• Congenital heart valve defects
• Damage from infective endocarditis or rheumatic heart disease

Procedure & Recovery

Valve replacement can be performed using:

• Open-Heart Surgery: The traditional approach for placing a mechanical or biological valve.
• Transcatheter Valve Replacement (TAVR): A less invasive option for some patients, using a catheter to place the new valve without open surgery.

Recovery depends on the procedure type, but most patients return to normal activities within a few weeks to months with cardiac rehabilitation and medication management.