Valve Replacement

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Heart valve replacement is a surgical procedure that involves removing a heart valve that is no longer functioning properly, and replacing it with a new one.

The valves in your heart help your blood move in the right direction. If your valve is damaged, the flow of blood through your body will be restricted.

Are You a Candidate for Heart Valve Replacement?

If you’ve been diagnosed with aortic valve stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leaking), your doctor may recommend heart valve replacement as a treatment option. Aortic stenosis limits the flow of blood from your heart into your aorta and the rest of your body. If one of your heart valves does not close all the way, it causes regurgitation (backward flow of blood).

You may be eligible for a minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) if open heart surgery is not recommended. This less invasive procedure restores blood flow to the rest of your body. It can improve the symptoms of aortic valve stenosis and its related complications, including chest pain, heart failure, an irregular heartbeat, and fainting episodes.

Heart Valve Replacement at Dignity Health

This procedure will be performed by an experienced surgeon at Dignity Health. There are three types of heart valve replacement:

  • minimally invasive surgery
  • catheter-based procedure
  • open heart surgery 

You will receive general anesthesia for the procedure. Heart valve replacement may take three to five hours. Once the surgery is complete, you will need to stay in the hospital for a few days.

Heart Valve Replacement Recovery

When you are ready to return home, your care team will provide you with detailed instructions on using prescription medications for pain, how to take care of your incision, and what activities are safe during your healing process.

At Dignity Health, we strive to stay connected during your entire recovery process. You should report any unusual symptoms to your specialist right away. We are committed to helping you complete your recovery speedily, as well as maintain your heart health and overall well-being.

Learn More

For more information, please view our Cardiac Surgery page, or call us to Find a Doctor.