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heart valve surgery
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Heart Valve Surgery 

The heart’s valves play a crucial role in ensuring that blood flows in the right direction. However, when these valves become damaged or diseased, they can disrupt normal blood circulation, leading to serious heart complications. Heart valve surgery is a life-saving procedure that helps repair or replace faulty heart valves, restoring proper heart function and improving overall well-being.

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If you or a loved one are experiencing heart valve problems, expert care is essential. Dr. Aliasgar Bahrainwala, a renowned Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon in Mumbai, specializes in advanced heart valve repair and replacement procedures, including minimally invasive techniques for quicker recovery.

Take the first step toward better heart health—schedule a consultation today! 💙

About Heart Valve Surgery 

About Heart Valve Surgery 

Heart valve surgery is a specialized cardiac procedure performed to repair or replace one or more damaged heart valves. The heart has four valves—mitral, tricuspid, pulmonary, and aortic—which ensure smooth blood flow. If any of these valves fail to open or close properly, the heart has to work harder, leading to complications like heart failure.

This surgery can be done through:
✔ Valve Repair: Fixing the existing valve to restore normal function.
✔ Valve Replacement: Replacing a damaged valve with a mechanical or biological (tissue) valve.
✔ Minimally Invasive Techniques: Advanced procedures that allow for quicker recovery with smaller incisions.

Causes of Heart Valve Disease

Causes of Heart Valve Disease

Heart valve problems can develop due to various reasons, including:
✔ Congenital defects: Some people are born with abnormal heart valves.
✔ Aging: Valves can weaken and become stiff over time.
✔ Rheumatic heart disease: A complication of untreated strep throat that damages the heart valves.
✔ Infections (Endocarditis): Bacterial infections that harm the heart’s inner lining.
✔ High blood pressure & cholesterol: These conditions can strain and damage the valves.
✔ Previous heart conditions: Heart attacks or cardiomyopathy can impact valve function.

Symptoms

Symptoms

When a heart valve isn’t working properly, symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly, including:
✔ Shortness of breath, especially during activity or lying down.
✔ Chest pain or discomfort.
✔ Fatigue and weakness.
✔ Dizziness or fainting spells.
✔ Irregular or rapid heartbeat (palpitations).
✔ Swelling in the ankles, feet, or abdomen.

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If left untreated, heart valve disease can lead to serious complications such as heart failure, stroke, or sudden cardiac arrest.

Why is Heart Valve Surgery Necessary?

Why is Heart Valve Surgery Necessary?

Heart valve surgery is recommended when valve disease becomes severe and starts affecting the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. Surgery may be required when:
✔ Symptoms significantly affect daily life.
✔ The heart becomes enlarged due to the strain of pumping harder.
✔ A valve is severely narrowed (stenosis) or leaking (regurgitation).
✔ The risk of heart failure increases.
✔ Other heart procedures, such as bypass surgery, are already planned.

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In some cases, even if symptoms are mild, surgery may be advised to prevent long-term heart damage and ensure better quality of life.

Types of Heart Valve Surgery?

Types of Heart Valve Surgery?

✅ Based on Type of Procedure:

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1. Valve Repair Surgeries

  • Annuloplasty – Tightening or reshaping the ring around the valve.

  • Valvuloplasty – Balloon procedure to open a narrowed (stenotic) valve.

  • Leaflet repair – Repairing torn or floppy valve leaflets.

  • Chordae tendineae or papillary muscle repair – Fixing the structures that support valve movement.

 

2. Valve Replacement Surgeries

  • Mechanical Valve Replacement

  • Biological/Tissue Valve Replacement

    • Porcine (pig valve)

    • Bovine (cow valve)

    • Homograft (human donor valve)

 

3. Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery

  • Performed through small incisions with specialized instruments or robotic assistance.

 

4. Transcatheter Valve Replacement

  • TAVI/TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation/Replacement)

    • A less invasive option for high-risk patients.

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✅ Based on Valve Treated:

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  • Aortic Valve Surgery

    • Aortic valve replacement (AVR)

    • TAVI (Transcatheter option)

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  • Mitral Valve Surgery

    • Mitral valve repair

    • Mitral valve replacement

    • Balloon mitral valvotomy

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  • Tricuspid Valve Surgery

    • Tricuspid valve repair or replacement

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  • Pulmonary Valve Surgery

    • Pulmonary valve repair or replacement

Benefits of Heart Valve Surgery

Benefits of Heart Valve Surgery

Heart valve surgery offers life-changing benefits, including:
✅ Restored Blood Flow: Ensures the heart pumps efficiently.
✅ Symptom Relief: Reduces breathlessness, fatigue, and chest discomfort.
✅ Lower Risk of Heart Failure: Prevents complications caused by valve disease.
✅ Increased Lifespan: Enhances long-term heart health and survival rates.
✅ Improved Quality of Life: Allows patients to lead a more active and normal lifestyle.

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