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Valve Repair
A valve repair is used to correct a structural defect in the shape and functioning of the valve. Valve repair can usually be done on congenital valve defects (defects you are born with) and has a good success record with treating valve defects. Procedures for valve repair include commissurotomy, valvuloplasty, reshaping, decalcification and patching.
Valve Replacement
Severe valve damage means that the valve will need to be replaced. Valve replacement is most often used to treat aortic valves and severely damaged mitral valves. It is also used to treat any valve disease that is life-threatening. Sometimes, more than one valve may be damaged in the heart, so patients may need more than one valve replacement.
Median Sternotomy
Median sternotomy is a type of surgical procedure in which a vertical inline incision is made along the sternum, after which the sternum itself is divided, or "cracked". This 6- to 8-inch incision provides surgeons with direct access to the heart for valvular surgery.
Mini Sternotomy
A mini-sternotomy provides the surgeon access to the patient's heart without breaking the patient's sternum. The incision of a mini-sternotomy is about 3- to 4- inches in length.
Robotic Surgery
A form of minimally invasive surgery, the da Vinci robot is used primarily for mitral valve repair operations.
Transcatheter
One of the newest forms of heart valve repair and replacement, transcatheter operations require no incision to the sternum or ribs as the surgical instruments are inserted into the heart through a catheter.
Mini-Thoracotomy / Port Access
As a minimally invasive form of heart valve replacement and repair, during a mini-thoracotomy / Port Access procedure, the surgeon gains access to the patient's heart through the ribs.
Root Replacement
Often a result of an aortic aneurysm, a root replacement can accompany aortic valve surgery to enhance the functioning of the heart.
Ross Procedure
A double heart valve replacement surgery used to replace a diseased aortic valve with the patient's own pulmonary valve. A donor valve (homograft) is then positioned in the pulmonary position. This procedure is also known as the "Switch Procedure".
David Procedure
The David Procedure involves an aortic root replacement without an aortic valve replacement.
Maze Procedure
In addition to heart valve surgery, Maze procedures may also be required to treat atrial fibrillation by creating barriers to the electrical pathways, in the form of scar tissue, in the atria (the heart's upper chambers).
Bloodless Surgery
A heart valve surgery performed in a "bloodless environment" ensures that the patient will not require a blood transfusion during the operation. This approach to surgery is often preferred by (i) certain spiritual and religious organizations (e.g. Jehovah's Witnesses) and (ii) patients not wanting to receive blood components taken from hospital blood banks.
