If your doctor feels that your damaged heart valve should be replaced, the following information can help answer some of your questions. The heart's valves can become diseased or damaged from a variety of causes. Valve Replacement Surgery Valve replacement surgery removes your damaged heart valve and replaces it with a prosthetic device, an artificial valve that may be constructed out of plastic, metal, and cloth or from animal tissue. Mechanical valves are more durable, but valves made of animal tissue tend to be accepted more readily by the body. Your doctor will advise you on which type of valve is most appropriate for your particular condition.
Most surgeries take an average of three to five hours to complete.
Your initial recovery is in the intensive care unit of the hospital where you will be monitored closely. Once your tubes are removed and your condition is stable, you are moved to your regular hospital room where your care includes physical and respiratory therapy as well as counseling on a heart healthy diet and exercise plan. Heart valve replacement is a major surgical procedure, and like any surgery does carry some risks, so it's important to discuss any possible complications with your physician beforehand. In a week or two you'll be able to return home to complete your recovery. You'll probably be asked to take your temperature throughout the day for the first few weeks.