Heart Valve Replacement and Repair. Dr Mustafa Bilge Erdogan. ISU Liv Hospital Bahcesehir

Your heart is the engine of your life, and its health is of paramount importance. When the heart valves (aortic, mitral, tricuspid) begin to malfunction, it can significantly impact the quality of your life. At our medical center, we offer high-quality services for heart valve replacement and repair to help you return to a full and active life.

What does our service include?

• Diagnosis: Thorough examination for accurate diagnosis and determination of the optimal treatment plan
• Valve replacement: Use of high-quality and durable prostheses for replacing damaged valves
• Valve repair: Application of modern techniques to restore valve function without the need for replacement
• Rehabilitation: A comprehensive recovery program that includes physiotherapy, dietary support, and psychological assistance

What is valve repair?

Valve repair is typically performed for congenital valve defects (defects present at birth) and has good success rates, especially for mitral valve defects. Here are some procedures surgeons may use for valve repair

• Commissurotomy: Used for narrowed leaflets where the leaflets are thickened and possibly fused
• Annuloplasty: Strengthens the leaflets, providing more support and allowing the valve to close tightly. This support comes from a ring-shaped device that surgeons attach outside the valve opening
• Reshaping: Done when a surgeon cuts out a portion of the leaflet. Once the leaflet is sewn back together, the valve can close properly
• Decalcification: Removes calcium buildup from the leaflets. Once the calcium is removed, the leaflets can close properly
• Structural support repair: Replaces or shortens the cords supporting the valves (these cords are called chordae tendineae and papillary muscles). When the cords are the correct length, the valve can close properly
• Patching: Closes holes or tears in the leaflets with a tissue patch

What is valve replacement?

Severe valve damage means the valve must be replaced and most often affects the aortic or mitral valve. It is also used to treat any life-threatening valve diseases. Some patients may need more than one valve repaired or replaced.

Two types of valves can be used for replacement

• Mechanical valves: Usually made from materials like plastic, carbon, or metal. Mechanical valves are durable and long-lasting
• Biological valves: Made from animal tissues (called xenografts) or taken from human donor heart tissues (called allografts or homografts). Sometimes, the patient's own tissue can be used (called an autograft)

Most valve repair and replacement surgeries are successful. In some rare cases, valve repair may fail, and reoperation may be required.

Patients with a biological valve may need a valve replacement after 10–15 years. Mechanical valves can also fail, so patients should inform their doctor if they experience any symptoms of valve failure.

Minimally invasive valve surgery

Minimally invasive heart valve surgery is a method that uses smaller incisions to repair or replace heart valves. This means less pain. Minimally invasive surgery also reduces hospital stay and recovery time.

Minimally invasive valve surgery can only be performed on certain patients. This type of surgery cannot be done on patients with

• Severe valve damage
• Need to repair or replace more than one valve
• Artery blockage (atherosclerosis)
• Obesity

Recovery from valve surgery can take a long time, depending on how healthy you were before the surgery. You will need to rest and limit your activities. Your doctor may recommend starting an exercise program or joining a cardiac rehabilitation program.

If you have an office job, you can usually return to work in 4–6 weeks. Those with more physically demanding jobs may need to wait longer.

Return to a full life!

Don't let heart problems limit your life. Contact us today, and we will help you return to an active and healthy lifestyle. Your health is our top priority!

In addition to collaborating with leading clinics and experienced doctors, ALISA HEALTH GROUP uses Alisa AI to tailor healthcare facilities to perfectly match your individual needs and preferences. This significantly reduces your time, effort and costs, providing confidence that your health and appearance are entrusted to professionals.

In addition, we take care of all organizational issues — from paperwork and booking to coordinating all stages of the treatment process. This allows our clients to calmly focus on their new look and self-confidence. Our consultants are always ready to answer any of your questions and provide the necessary support, ensuring a comfortable and safe passage of the procedure.