Valvular heart surgery treats disorders of the heart’s valves. These four thin, fibrous flaps function as one-way gates between the heart’s chambers, which hold and move blood as it circulates through the body. By opening and closing in a coordinated sequence, the valves maintain smooth, forward blood flow through the heart and prevent backward leakage.
Tampa General Hospital’s multispecialty cardiothoracic surgery services team offers the latest advances in heart valve surgery—including minimally invasive and transcatheter techniques— to patients from Brooksville, Spring Hill, Crystal River and nearby communities. TGH Brooksville is the centralized site for all procedures, with comprehensive consultations, evaluations and follow-up care conveniently accessible throughout the region.
What Is Valvular Heart Surgery?
Heart valve surgery involves repairing or replacing one or more heart valves—most commonly the aortic, mitral or tricuspid valves— which move in a precise rhythm with each heartbeat to keep blood flowing in the right direction. If a valve becomes narrowed (stenosis) or fails to close properly (regurgitation), it can disrupt normal blood flow and place strain on the heart muscle.
A heart valve repair procedure focuses on preserving the natural valve whenever possible. Depending on the condition and its severity, this may involve reshaping the valve tissue, removing excess tissue, repairing a leaflet defect or reinforcing the valve with an annuloplasty ring to restore proper function.
If repair is not a viable option, a heart valve replacement may be considered. During this procedure, a cardiothoracic surgeon will remove the damaged valve and replace it with either a highly durable mechanical valve or a biological valve made from animal or donor tissue. The choice between valve repair and valve replacement will depend on the specific valve(s) involved, the extent of the damage and the patient’s overall health.
Valvular heart surgery may be performed as a traditional open procedure or, in some cases, using minimally invasive techniques. When appropriate, this approach can result in less tissue disruption and a quicker recovery.
What Is the Difference Between Valve Repair and Valve Replacement?
The primary difference between heart valve repair and heart valve replacement lies in whether the existing valve can be preserved. Valve repair is often the preferred approach when feasible, as it maintains the natural structure of the heart and may reduce the need for long-term medication.
If a valve is too damaged to repair, replacement may be recommended. Options may include mechanical valves, which are highly durable but require lifelong blood-thinning medication, and biological valves, which typically do not require long-term anticoagulation but may need to be replaced in the future.
For certain patients, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), also known as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), offers a less invasive alternative to traditional valvular heart surgery. TAVR may be a particularly good option for a patient at high surgical risk. In this approach, the cardiothoracic surgeon will replace the aortic valve using a catheter inserted through a blood vessel, eliminating the need for open-heart surgery.
When Is Valve Surgery Recommended?
Valvular heart surgery is generally recommended when heart valve disease, such as aortic valve stenosis or mitral valve regurgitation, begins to affect heart function or causes significant symptoms. Common signs include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest discomfort, dizziness and swelling in the legs and feet. Even if the symptoms are mild, surgery may be advised if imaging tests show worsening valve function.
When considering heart valve repair vs. heart valve replacement, the cardiothoracic surgery services team will evaluate several key factors, including the type and severity of the valve disease and the patient’s overall health and individual risk factors. The team will also determine whether the patient may benefit from a less invasive approach, such as TAVR for a narrowed heart valve, or another advanced therapy for leaky heart valve treatment.
What Is Recovery Like After Heart Valve Surgery?
The recovery timeline for heart valve repair or replacement can vary depending on the type of procedure performed and the patient’s overall health. In general, individuals who undergo traditional open-heart surgery can expect a hospital stay of several days, followed by a gradual recovery at home that may last several weeks to a few months.
Minimally invasive and transcatheter procedures, such as TAVR, often involve a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery, allowing patients to return to normal activities sooner. To support healing, the patient will be encouraged to participate in cardiac rehabilitation, take prescribed medications and adopt heart-healthy lifestyle habits.
What Are the Risks of Heart Valve Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, valvular heart surgery carries certain risks. Potential complications include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
The level of risk can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, the specific valve being treated and the patient’s age and overall health. The cardiothoracic surgery services team will carefully evaluate these factors and take steps to minimize risk before, during and after surgery.
Despite these risks, heart valve surgery has a high success rate and is often effective in relieving symptoms and improving heart function. Ongoing advances in surgical techniques, imaging and postoperative care continue to improve safety and enhance long-term patient outcomes.
Advanced Cardiothoracic Care Close to Home
If you have been diagnosed with heart valve disease or are experiencing symptoms that may indicate a valve condition, reach out to the cardiothoracic surgery services team at Tampa General Hospital. From advanced diagnostics to minimally invasive heart valve surgery and transcatheter procedures, we provide comprehensive care for patients from Brooksville, Spring Hill, Crystal River and surrounding areas.
Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your treatment options and take the next step toward better heart health.