These surgeries may take longer and require a surgeon with a higher
level of surgical skill. Not all people are candidates for this minimally
invasive type of surgery, especially those who have atherosclerosis
(hardening of the arteries) or obesity.
Heart valves that have narrowed
(stenosis) because of degenerative changes or valves that do not close tightly and allow
blood to leak back in the wrong direction (regurgitation) require surgery
to repair or replace them so that blood can flow properly through the
heart. Because faulty valves place increasing stress on the heart,
causing shortness of breath, weakening of the heart muscle, enlarging of
the heart, and, in many case can cause congestive heart failure or stroke,
it is important that experienced, specialized cardithoracic surgeons
intervene to correct the problem.
Repair means that the valve is mended
to help it work better. Replacement means the diseased valve is removed
and a new valve, either mechanical or biologic, is inserted in its place.
The surgeon decides whether to repair or replace a valve based on the
extent of damage to the valve.
Using advance techniques and
technology, the surgeon can repair the tissue of the damaged valve
by reshaping prolapsing (floppy) leaflets, opening fused leaflets or
removing calcium deposits. The surgeon can then implant an annuloplasty
ring to provide extra support and to tighten the valve. Valve repair is
the method of choice for surgical treatment of mitral valve disease
because it maintains the natural anatomy of the heart valve.
Please click here to view a St. Mary advertisement that features information
about minimally invasive valve repair.