Stenotic valves are often a natural result of aging. An infection can scar or rupture a valve. A heart attack can create a leaking valve. And congenital defects can cause any of the above. Depending on the extent and location of the damage, valves can either be repaired or replaced.
Aortic valves are the most frequently replaced valve.
Mitral valves are both repaired and replaced, depending on the extent of damage. The mitral valve controls the flow of blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle. Two types of valves are used for replacement. Tissue valves are valves that come from an animal donor. Human organ-donor valves can be used, but are extremely rare.