heart valve transplant

A heart valve transplant, also known as valvular repair or replacement, is a medical procedure to address damaged heart valves. These valves are crucial for ensuring blood flows in the correct direction through the heart. When a valve is blocked or leaks, it strains the heart and can lead to heart failure.1

Damaged valves can be replaced with artificial valves made from materials like stainless steel or Dacron, or with valves from human donors (homografts) or animals (heterografts). While artificial valves are effective, they can sometimes cause blood clotting and may require ongoing anticoagulation therapy. Donor valves avoid clotting but can become rigid over time. The procedure is performed using a heart-lung machine to temporarily take over the heart's function.21