Heart Valve Replacement @ Aster RV Hospital
Your heart tirelessly pumps blood through four vital valves – aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary – ensuring your body receives oxygen-rich blood. Over time, however, ageing, congenital defects, infections, or rheumatic fever can cause valves to become stiff, leaky, or narrowed. When this happens, the heart strains to pump efficiently, leading to serious complications. While doctors often attempt valve repair first, valve replacement becomes the best option when repair isn’t possible. This life-saving surgery restores normal blood flow, improves heart function, and reduces long-term risks. What is heart valve replacement? Heart valve replacement involves removing a damaged valve and replacing it with a biological or mechanical one. Conditions like aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, tricuspid disease, or congenital defects may require this surgery when medications or repair procedures are insufficient. Types of heart valve replacements- Biological (Tissue) Valves – Made from cow, pig, or human tissue, these valves mimic natural flow and don’t usually require lifelong blood thinners. They last about 10–20 years.
- Donor (Allograft) Valves – Taken from deceased donors, these are used in select cases like infective endocarditis or in younger patients.
- Mechanical Valves – Made from durable materials, they can last 20–30 years but require lifelong blood-thinning medication.