Category | Heart and Vascular Surgery |
When one valve becomes stenotic the heart has to work harder to pump the blood through the valve. Valves can become narrow and stiff from infection and aging. The diseased valve may be repaired using a ring to support the damaged valve, or the entire valve may be removed and replaced by an artificial valve. You and your healthcare provider will talk about the pros and cons of each type and what might be best for you.Minimally invasive procedures make smaller incisions, and mean less pain afterward and shorter hospital stays.