Valve surgery is one of the most common treatments for valve disease. But when you're faced with having a valve replaced or repaired it can feel far from ordinary. At ProMedica, we apply our research-driven approach to advanced heart surgery methods. These include traditional open-heart surgery and minimally invasive procedures to help restore your heart health.
A Full Scope of Heart Valve Procedures
Based on how severe your valve disease is, your surgeon may want to repair the heart valve or completely replace it. At ProMedica, we offer these procedures:
- Annuloplasty.
- Aortic valve repair and replacement.
- Mitral valve repair and replacement.
- Repair of structural support.
- Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
- Tricuspid valve repair and replacement.
- Valve leaflet repair.
What to Expect Before and After Heart Valve Surgery
Before Surgery
Knowing what to expect helps you prepare for optimal results.
Your first step towards healing is to schedule your pre-surgery consultation. During this appointment, you'll meet with your surgeon to learn what pre-admission testing you need to have. This could include blood work, a chest X-ray, an EKG, dental work and an exam of the arteries in your neck.
If you need surgery, you'll receive detailed instructions that could include starting a new medicine or stopping current ones.
During this conversation, you'll also have a chance to ask questions. It's important to learn about the procedure and how you'll manage your health when it's over. If you have questions, ask them — doing so will help you take better care of yourself.
You can start by asking your doctor:
- How quickly will I recover?
- What are the pros and cons of each type of valve surgery?
- What kind of lifestyle changes will I have to make after surgery?
- Will I need care or rehab after my surgery?
After Surgery
ProMedica offers post-surgical care that puts you on the path to recovery.
Heart valve surgery is an in-depth procedure and requires several days of recovery at the hospital. Most patients are able to go home on the third or fourth day after surgery. Here's what to expect:
- You'll have several tubes inserted and will be connected to monitoring equipment during and after surgery.
- Your care team will provide updates to your family during your surgery and as you move into recovery.
- After surgery, you'll be taken to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to recover.
- You'll consume meals while sitting up in a chair (starting with a clear liquid diet and slowly adding solid food as tolerated).
- You may be moved to the step-down floor on the first postoperative day.
- You'll begin taking short walks in the hallway and start some cardiac rehab therapy exercises.
Featured Locations
ProMedica Toledo Hospital
For 150 years, ProMedica Toledo Hospital has set the standard in healthcare. Explore our expert services, from minimally invasive surgeries to 24/7 heart care.
ProMedica Physicians Cardiothoracic Surgeons
Discover expert cardiothoracic care in northwest Ohio. Our board-certified surgeons offer advanced heart and lung treatments, from open-heart to minimally invasive procedures.
Related Services & Conditions
Cardiothoracic Surgery
ProMedica's cardiothoracic surgeons are here to make sure you have access to the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology and surgical techniques to treat heart disease.