Heart valve surgery is a procedure used to treat heart valve disease, which occurs when one or more of the heart's four valves do not function correctly. These valves ensure that blood flows in the right direction through the heart.The heart has four valves: the mitral valve, tricuspid valve, pulmonary valve, and aortic valve. Each valve has flaps, known as leaflets in the mitral and tricuspid valves, and cusps in the aortic and pulmonary valves. These flaps should open and close with each heartbeat. When they fail to do so, blood flow through the heart and to the rest of the body is affected.

During heart valve surgery, a surgeon repairs or replaces the damaged or diseased valves. This can be done through open-heart surgery or minimally invasive heart surgery. The type of surgery required depends on various factors, including the patient's age, overall health, and the specific type and severity of the heart valve disease.

Heart valve surgery treats heart valve disease, which comes in two forms:

1. Stenosis: a narrowing of the valve.
2. Regurgitation: a valve leak that allows blood to flow backward.

You might need heart valve surgery if the disease affects your heart's ability to pump blood. If your condition is mild or symptom-free, your healthcare team might recommend regular checkups, lifestyle changes, and medication to manage symptoms.

Sometimes, heart valve surgery is performed even without symptoms, such as when another heart surgery is needed. Discuss with your healthcare team if heart valve surgery is right for you and whether minimally invasive surgery is an option, as it causes less bodily harm than open-heart surgery. Choose a medical center experienced in heart valve surgeries, including both repair and replacement.