Valve repair

What is it?

Valve repair is the reconstruction of a heart valve, as opposed to replacing it with a prosthesis. The surgeon corrects the mechanism of the leak: work on the leaflets, work on the cords that support the valve, and placement of a prosthetic ring to restore the valve's normal dimensions. Repair is preferred whenever the anatomy of the valve allows it, particularly for the mitral and tricuspid valves.

Step by step

1. 1

   An echocardiogram, often completed by a probe passed through the oesophagus, analyses the mechanism of the leak and determines whether repair is feasible.

2. 2

   The operation is performed under general anaesthesia. You are asleep for its entire duration.

3. 3

   The surgeon reaches the heart through the chest: a sternotomy or, in selected cases, a short side incision.

4. 4

   A heart-lung machine temporarily takes over circulation and oxygenation.

5. 5

   The valve is repaired according to the identified mechanism: work on the leaflets, work on the supporting cords, and placement of a prosthetic ring.

6. 6

   The result is checked by echocardiography before closure. If the repair is not satisfactory, the valve is replaced with a prosthesis during the same operation; this possibility is explained to you beforehand.

Recovery and follow-up

The postoperative course is that of cardiac surgery: a few days in hospital, including a period in intensive care. Walking and then activity are resumed according to the team's instructions; the breastbone heals in about two months. Anticoagulant treatment is prescribed for a few weeks in some cases, then reassessed. A control echocardiogram checks that the repair is holding, after which annual cardiology follow-up is arranged.