Valve Repair / Replacement in Tamil Nadu

Is valve repair better than valve replacement?

When technically feasible, repair is often preferred as it preserves the patient's own tissue and avoids the need for lifelong blood thinners, but the best option depends on the specific valve, the type and severity of damage, and overall health.

How long do replacement heart valves last?

Mechanical valves can last a lifetime but require lifelong blood-thinning medication, while biological valves typically last 10-15 years but don't require long-term blood thinners; your cardiac surgeon can help weigh these trade-offs for your situation.

How long is the recovery after heart valve surgery?

Recovery from open-heart valve surgery typically takes 6-8 weeks for most daily activities, with full recovery and return to more strenuous activity taking up to 3 months.

Is heart valve surgery high risk?

As major cardiac surgery, it does carry risks, but success rates are high, around 90-95%, especially when performed at experienced centers with careful pre-operative evaluation.

Are there non-surgical options for heart valve problems?

For select patients, especially those at high surgical risk, transcatheter procedures like TAVI can replace certain valves without open-heart surgery; your cardiologist can assess whether you're a candidate.