See also: Heart Valve Surgery and Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Surgery
Heart Valve Disease
Heart valve disease occurs when a valve doesn't work right. A valve may not open all the way. Or, a valve may have problems closing. If this happens, blood doesn't move through the heart's chambers the way it should.
Heart valves and how they function.
Problems with Your Heart Valves
If a valve doesn't open all the way, less blood moves through to the next chamber. If a valve doesn't close tightly, blood may leak backward. These problems may mean that the heart must work harder to pump the same amount of blood. Or, blood may back up in the lungs or body because it's not moving through the heart as it should.
Problems Opening
Stenosis occurs when a valve doesn't open fully. The valve may have become hardened or stiff with calcium deposits or scarring. So, it's hard to push open. Blood has to flow through a smaller opening, so less blood gets through the valve into the next chamber.
Problems Closing
Insufficiency (also called regurgitation) results when the valve doesn't close tightly. The valve's supportive structures may be loose or torn. Or, the valve itself may have stretched or thinned. Blood may then leak back the wrong way through the valve.
Heart Valve Surgery
During heart valve surgery, one or more valves are repaired or replaced. Repair means that the valve is mended to help it work better. Replacement means your diseased valve is removed and a new valve is inserted in its place. Whether a valve will be repaired or replaced can only be decided once surgery has begun. Your surgeon will talk with you about his or her plans for surgery and any other procedures you may need.
Repairing a Valve
During valve repair, a ring may be sewn around the opening of the valve to tighten it. Other parts of the valve may be cut, shortened, separated, or made stronger to help the valve open and close right.
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