Heart Valve Disorders

Loyola’s team of heart and vascular experts provides patients with the latest treatment options for heart valve disorders. Surgeons at Loyola perform approximately 200 valve procedures annually. Depending on the disease process and condition of the valve, heart valves are either replaced or repaired.

Because there often are ties between heart valve disorders and cardiomyopathy and other diseases of the heart, Loyola’s team of cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons takes a collaborative approach for the most effective diagnosis and long-term treatment.

Heart valve surgery is performed when heart valve regurgitation or stenosis exists. Typically, mitral valves can be repaired, and aortic valves usually are replaced.

When heart valve insufficiency (regurgitation or stenosis) exists, a heart valve repair may be indicated. The valve is repaired by remodeling the valve tissue followed by the insertion of a prosthetic ring for reinforcement. The advantage of heart valve repair is preservation of the native valve tissue, ventricular function and the avoidance of anticoagulation. At the Center for Heart & Vascular Medicine, the team of expert surgeons performs more than 100 valve repairs every year.

When the valve is seriously deformed or degenerated, often it is replaced. The valve can be replaced with either a mechanical or tissue valve. Loyola cardiothoracic surgeons have access to state-of-the-art mechanical and tissue valves. They also have extensive experience with aortic root replacement with stentless aortic valve conduits and homografts.

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For an appointment or for more information about Heart Valve Disorders, call (888) LUHS-888.