Heart Valve Surgery

Heart Valve Surgery

Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart’s valves fail to function properly due to narrowing (stenosis) or leaking (regurgitation). These conditions can severely affect the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently and may lead to heart failure, irregular heart rhythms, or other complications if left untreated. While mild valve problems might be managed with medication and monitoring, surgery often becomes necessary for moderate to severe cases to restore valve function and improve quality of life.

At 4R Consultancy, we connect patients to India’s leading cardiac centers, where heart valve surgeries are performed using advanced techniques—including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures—that reduce recovery time and improve outcomes.

What Is Heart Valve Surgery?

Heart valve surgery involves either repairing the existing valve or replacing it with an artificial one to restore normal blood flow through the heart. Valve repair aims to preserve the patient’s own valve by correcting defects such as leaking or narrowing, which helps maintain natural valve function and reduces the risk of complications associated with artificial valves.

When repair is not feasible, valve replacement is performed using either mechanical valves, which are highly durable but require lifelong blood-thinning medication, or bioprosthetic (tissue) valves, which have a more limited lifespan but typically do not require long-term anticoagulation.

The valves most commonly treated include the aortic valve, mitral valve, tricuspid valve, and pulmonary valve, each playing a crucial role in maintaining proper one-way blood flow through the heart chambers and to the lungs and body.

Who Needs Heart Valve Surgery?

Surgery is usually recommended when valve dysfunction is severe enough to cause symptoms or pose risks to heart health. Patients may be advised to undergo surgery if they have:

• Significant narrowing (stenosis) of a valve causing restricted blood flow, which can result in fatigue, chest pain, or fainting.
• Severe valve leakage (regurgitation) leading to enlargement of the heart chambers, heart failure symptoms, or reduced exercise capacity.
• Symptoms of heart failure such as breathlessness or fluid retention linked to valve disease.
• Infective endocarditis, an infection that damages the valve structure.
• Failed previous valve repair or replacement requiring revision surgery.

Timely intervention can prevent irreversible heart damage and improve survival.

Types of Heart Valve Surgery Offered in India

Indian cardiac centers provide comprehensive surgical options tailored to patient needs, including:

• Valve Repair: Techniques focus on reconstructing damaged valve leaflets or the valve ring (annulus), preserving the native valve and its function whenever possible.
• Valve Replacement: Depending on patient age, lifestyle, and medical conditions, surgeons select either mechanical or tissue valves for replacement.
• Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery: These procedures use small incisions, often between ribs, rather than a full chest opening. This approach reduces postoperative pain, shortens hospital stays, and accelerates recovery.
• Robotic-Assisted Valve Surgery: Utilizes robotic technology to enhance precision, reduce tissue trauma, and allow complex repairs through very small incisions.

All surgeries are performed by experienced cardiothoracic surgeons at internationally accredited hospitals equipped with the latest diagnostic and surgical technology.

Diagnosis and Pre-Surgical Evaluation

Before surgery, patients undergo thorough evaluation including transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography to visualize valve structure and function, cardiac catheterization if needed, and routine tests such as ECG, blood panels, and chest imaging. These assessments help determine the severity of disease, surgical risk, and the optimal treatment strategy.

Recovery and Postoperative Care

Post-surgery, patients typically spend 1 to 2 days in an intensive care unit for close monitoring, followed by 5 to 7 days of hospitalization. Cardiac rehabilitation programs help restore physical strength and teach heart-healthy lifestyle habits. Patients with mechanical valves require lifelong anticoagulant therapy and regular follow-up.

Most patients experience significant symptom improvement and return to daily activities within weeks.

Why Choose India for Heart Valve Surgery?

India is a preferred destination due to its combination of:

• World-class, internationally accredited cardiac hospitals
• Experienced surgeons trained at leading global centers
• Advanced surgical technologies including robotic platforms
• High success rates with low complication and infection rates
• Personalized rehabilitation and long-term care programs
• Treatment costs 60–80% lower than Western countries

Many patients from Myanmar, Bangladesh, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia choose India for its quality and affordability.

How 4R Consultancy Supports You

Our services include:

• Thorough evaluation of your medical reports
• Arranging second opinions from top cardiac surgeons
• Personalized hospital recommendations
• Assistance with visa, travel, and accommodation
• Coordination of your treatment planning and follow-up care

We ensure a smooth, stress-free experience throughout your medical journey.

Need a Surgery Opinion?

If you are considering heart valve surgery, early evaluation and planning are crucial. Please send your medical reports via Viber or WhatsApp, or fill out our contact form. We will guide you to the right experts and treatment options tailored to your needs.