Blood is pumped through the heart in one direction. Pressure causes the flaps to open to let the blood flow through, and then they close tightly to prevent the blood from flowing backwards. If the heart valves become damaged or diseased, they will not function properly. The left side of the heart works harder than the right side so the most common type of valve repair or replacement surgery is performed on the Mitral and Aortic valves. These valves are located on the left side of the heart. The Mitral and Aortic valves control the flow of oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the rest of the body.
Valve Repair
Valve repair is most commonly done to treat congenital heart defects. Congenital means that the condition is present at birth.
Valve Replacement
If one or more of your heart valves is severely diseased or damaged then valve replacement surgery becomes necessary.