The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
Heart valve surgery
Heart valve replacement an heart valve repair. Surgery to correct heart valve problems by either replacing the affected valve with a new valve or repairing the existing valve.
About heart valve surgery
Heart valves are non-return, one-way valves within the heart designed so that the blood flows one way through the system. They can fail by narrowing (obstructing forward flow) or by tearing (resulting in a leak of blood backwards).
Need to know
Surgeons prefer to repair valves rather than replace them but many valves cannot be repaired. If this is the case then the surgeon will discuss the options for valve replacement (mechanical and tissue valves).
The most common approach is to divide the breastbone but sometimes smaller or keyhole incisions are possible. The procedure will be performed under general anaesthetic.
You will be seen by your consultant who will discuss the reasons for recommending heart valve surgery. You will be told of the risks of the operation and the risks of not having surgery. All aspects of the procedure will be discussed including side effects.
As you're having a general anaesthetic, you'll be asked to stop eating and drinking for six hours beforehand.
Immediately following surgery you will likely spend a day or more in intensive care. After your time in intensive care, you will be moved to the cardiac ward. You will continue to have your blood pressure and heart rate monitored until discharge.
If you have tissue valve replacement, you may need to take an anticoagulant medicine for two to three months. This is to prevent blood clotting on the new valve and the sutures.
For mechanical valve replacement, however, this will be for the rest of your life. You'll need help at home after surgery, so you should arrange for someone to stay with you for a couple of weeks following the procedure.
You'll also need to arrange for someone help you get home from the hospital. If you are taking anticoagulants you will need to have regular blood tests locally until you are stabilised on the tablet. You will be seen by your consultant about six weeks after the operation.
Our Heart valve surgery locations
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.