Heart Valve Repair Surgery

Heart valve repair surgery is a specialized cardiac procedure performed to fix a damaged or malfunctioning heart valve without replacing it. The heart has four valves—mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary—that regulate blood flow through the heart chambers. When a valve becomes narrowed (stenosis) or leaks (regurgitation), it disrupts normal circulation and forces the heart to work harder. Valve repair focuses on preserving the patient’s natural valve by correcting structural issues such as tightening loose leaflets, reshaping the valve, or reinforcing it with a ring (annuloplasty). Compared to valve replacement, repair is often preferred because it maintains natural heart function, reduces the need for long-term medications, and offers better long-term outcomes in suitable patients.