Heart valve surgery

As the general population ages the incidence of degenerative valve disease is increasing. This is reflected by the changing workload of cardiac surgeons, indicated by the rising number of heart valve operations. Improved imaging techniques facilitate diagnosis, surveillance and guide surgical management in correcting the underlying defect. Patients with valvular heart disease require close follow-up and monitoring for changes in symptomatology, valve and ventricular function. Medical therapy is limited to antibiotic prophylaxis against endocarditis. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for symptomatic and severe lesions, and is associated with excellent haemodynamic improvements and long-term outcomes. The timing of valve surgery is critical in order to avoid irreversible consequences of ventricular dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension.