Heart Valve Repair

Heart valve repair refers to a surgical procedure that aims to restore the proper function of a damaged heart valve. The heart valves play a critical role in regulating blood flow through the heart, and when they become damaged or diseased, they can impair the heart’s ability to function properly.

Heart valve repair can be performed on any of the four heart valves – the mitral valve, tricuspid valve, aortic valve, and pulmonary valve. The specific technique used for heart valve repair depends on the type and severity of the valve problem, as well as the overall health of the patient.

Some common techniques for heart valve repair include:

1. Valve annuloplasty – This procedure involves tightening the ring-like structure around the valve (the annulus) to improve valve closure and prevent leakage.
2. Valve leaflet repair – If the valve leaflets (flaps that open and close to regulate blood flow) are damaged, they can be repaired to improve their function.
3. Commissurotomy – This procedure involves separating fused valve leaflets to improve valve function.
4. Chordoplasty – This procedure involves repairing or replacing the small cords (chords) that connect the valve leaflets to the heart muscle.

Heart valve repair is typically performed using minimally invasive techniques, which can reduce the risk of complications and shorten recovery times. However, in some cases, open-heart surgery may be necessary to repair or replace a damaged valve.

Overall, heart valve repair can help improve symptoms and quality of life for people with heart valve problems, and it can help prevent long-term complications and reduce the risk of heart failure.