Inside the heart, there are valves designed to ensure the unidirectional flow of blood. There are four valves: the aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary valves. It is generally mitral and aortic valves, that get involved with disease process and need replacement.
Replacement typically involves open-heart surgery, during which the heart is temporarily stopped, and a heart-lung machine is utilized to maintain blood circulation throughout the body. While the heart is paused, the damaged valve is replaced.
Artificial heart valves are available, crafted either from titanium, known as mechanical valves, or from tissues sourced from various animals, termed tissue valves. The choice between them depends on the patient’s age. Despite the inherent 2% risk associated with these surgeries, once successfully completed, the replaced valve tends to function effectively for the duration of the individual’s life.
