What is a heart valve replacement?

A heart valve replacement is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged or malfunctioning valve in the heart.

The valve controls the flow of blood to the heart and, when damaged, may not fully close or open, affecting the normal function of the heart. In a heart valve replacement, doctors access the patient's chest either through open surgery or using minimally invasive techniques. The damaged valve is then removed and replaced with a prosthetic valve or a valve from a donor.