Understanding Surgical Heart Valve Replacement
Valve replacement surgery can be an effective, lifesaving treatment option for people with aortic or mitral valve diseases. Depending on your risk factors, such as health, diagnosis, and age, your healthcare providers will be able to recommend the appropriate valve replacement for you.
Open-Heart Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement and Mitral Valve Replacement
Traditional surgical aortic valve replacement and mitral valve replacement often require an incision over the chest and sternum. The sternum is then opened and spread apart using a surgical instrument. This provides the surgeon access to the heart and chest cavity, to replace your diseased heart valve (some surgeries may be performed using a minimally invasive technique without opening the chest).
After receiving your new heart valve, you may notice an immediate improvement in how you feel. Complete recovery may take approximately 6 to 12 weeks. Most heart valve patients resume a normal, healthy lifestyle.
Since each patient has a unique medical history, this information cannot replace discussions with your doctor.