Heart Valve Surgery
When you need heart valve surgery, look to the board-certified cardiothoracic surgeons at Adventist HealthCare. Get skilled care from the Washington, D.C. region’s most experienced heart valve surgery team.
Board-Certified Surgeons
Trust your care to surgeons who are licensed, board-certified and fellowship trained. This means they have advanced training to perform your procedure and help you make a successful recovery.
Heart Valve Conditions
Your heart has four valves:
- Aortic valve
- Mitral valve
- Pulmonary valve
- Tricuspid valve
If a heart valve doesn’t work as it should, it could lead to:
- Insufficiency – Inability to control blood flow
- Regurgitation – Leaking of blood
- Stenosis – Hardening of the valve
Do I Need Heart Valve Surgery?
Your doctor may recommend surgery if one of your heart valves doesn’t work as it should. Signs of a heart valve problems may include chest pain, shortness of breath, tiredness or swollen feet or legs.
Heart Valve Repair
Depending on your condition, your surgeon may decide heart valve repair is the best approach. To fix a valve, your surgeon may reshape the flaps that open and close the valve or place a ring around a loose valve to tighten it.
Heart Valve Replacement
Your surgeon may remove a damaged heart valve and replace it with a long-lasting new valve. The valve will be made of titanium, carbon or organic tissues. Depend on your provider to recommend the best type for you based on your age, medical history and preferences.
Minimally Invasive Techniques
Whenever possible, we’ll do a minimally invasive procedure instead of traditional open-heart surgery, which uses one large incision in the middle of the chest. You may be able to go home from the hospital in two to three days instead of the usual five to six after open-heart surgery.
Ask your doctor if minimally invasive techniques are an option for you.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Treatment
If aortic valve surgery isn’t right for you, your doctor may recommend transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) to treat aortic stenosis.
Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair
You may be a candidate for transcatheter mitral valve repair to treat mitral valve regurgitation depending on your age, symptoms and other factors.
Coordinated, Patient-Focused Care
Rely on your Adventist HealthCare surgeon to work closely with your cardiologist or primary care provider to help make sure you get seamless services before and after surgery. Your care team will work together to make sure your needs are met.
