Valve Replacement Surgery

What is Valve Replacement Surgery?

Valve replacement surgery is a procedure to replace one or more of the heart's damaged or diseased valves with either a mechanical or biological (tissue) valve. The heart has four valves—mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonary—that ensure blood flows in the correct direction through the heart's chambers. When these valves become stenotic (narrowed) or regurgitant (leaky), they may need to be replaced to restore proper blood flow and heart function. This critical cardiac procedure improves symptoms, quality of life, and survival for patients with severe valve disease.

Procedure Details

During valve replacement surgery, the surgeon accesses the heart either through traditional open-heart surgery (sternotomy) or, in some cases, minimally invasive approaches. The patient is placed on a heart-lung machine to maintain circulation while the surgeon works on the heart. The damaged valve is removed, and a new valve is sewn into place. Two main types of replacement valves are used: mechanical valves (made of durable materials like carbon and metal) that last a lifetime but require lifelong anticoagulation therapy, and biological/tissue valves (from animals or human donors) that typically last 10-20 years but may not require long-term blood thinners. For some patients, transcatheter valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) offers a less invasive option, particularly for the aortic valve, where the new valve is delivered via a catheter through a blood vessel, eliminating the need for open-heart surgery.

Recovery Information

• Surgery Time: 3-5 HR
• Back to Work: 6-12 WEEKS
• Anesthetist: GENERAL
• Hospitalization Time: 5-10 DAYS
• Recovery Time: 2-3 MONTHS
• Stay Time: 2-3 weeks

Benefits

• Relief from symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain
• Improved heart function and blood flow
• Enhanced exercise capacity and quality of life
• Prevention of heart failure progression
• Reduced risk of complications from valve disease
• Increased life expectancy
• Improved cardiac output and efficiency
• Resolution of arrhythmias related to valve dysfunction

Why Choose Iran for Valve Replacement Surgery

Iran offers numerous significant advantages for international patients seeking valve replacement surgery:

• World-Class Cardiac Expertise: Iranian cardiac surgeons are internationally recognized for their exceptional skills in valve surgery, with many having trained at prestigious global institutions and performing thousands of successful procedures
• Remarkable Cost Savings: Valve replacement surgery in Iran costs 80-90% less than in Western countries, with comprehensive packages starting from $6,000-$11,000 (compared to $80,000-$170,000 in the US or Europe)
• Advanced Cardiac Centers: State-of-the-art cardiac hospitals equipped with the latest technology, including hybrid operating rooms and advanced imaging systems
• Full Range of Valve Options: Access to both mechanical and biological valves from leading global manufacturers at a fraction of Western prices
• Comprehensive Approach: Availability of both traditional open surgery and transcatheter procedures (TAVR/TAVI) for appropriate candidates
• High Success Rates: Iranian cardiac centers report outcomes comparable to leading global institutions, with mortality rates for valve procedures matching international standards
• Minimal Wait Times: Quick scheduling with virtually no waiting lists, unlike many countries where cardiac surgery may have months-long waiting periods
• All-Inclusive Packages: Comprehensive care covering pre-operative assessment, surgery, ICU care, post-operative recovery, accommodation, transportation, and interpreter services
• Integrated Rehabilitation Programs: Structured cardiac rehabilitation to optimize recovery and long-term outcomes

Risks and Considerations

• Bleeding during or after surgery
• Infection of the incision site or heart tissues
• Stroke or other neurological complications
• Arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms)
• Valve thrombosis or failure
• Need for future reoperations (particularly with tissue valves)
• Lifelong anticoagulation therapy for mechanical valves
• Endocarditis (infection of the heart valve)

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates for valve replacement surgery include individuals who:- Have severe valve stenosis or regurgitation causing symptoms- Show evidence of heart damage or enlargement due to valve disease- Experience declining exercise capacity or quality of life- Have valve disease that cannot be adequately treated with medication or repair- Are in stable enough condition to tolerate major surgery- Have good lung and kidney function- Do not have severe comorbidities that significantly increase surgical risk- Have a strong support system for the recovery period

Preparation for Travel to Iran

Before traveling to Iran for valve replacement surgery, patients should:- Consult with their chosen Iranian cardiac center remotely- Complete comprehensive cardiac evaluation in their home country and share results- Obtain necessary medical visa (facilitated by most medical tourism providers)- Discuss valve type options (mechanical vs. biological) with the Iranian specialist- Optimize management of existing conditions like diabetes or hypertension- Stop smoking and avoid alcohol for at least 4-6 weeks before surgery- Discontinue blood-thinning medications as advised by the medical team- Arrange for a family member or companion to accompany them- Pack comfortable, front-opening clothing for the recovery period- Prepare for a 2-3 week stay in Iran for the procedure and initial recovery

Post-Operative Care in Iran

After valve replacement surgery in Iran, patients benefit from:- Immediate post-surgical care in specialized cardiac ICUs- Daily monitoring by cardiac surgeons and specialists- Advanced pain management protocols- Early mobilization and respiratory therapy- Anticoagulation management and education (if applicable)- Dedicated cardiac rehabilitation programs- Medical tourism coordinators to assist with any needs- Comfortable recovery accommodations after hospital discharge- Translation services for all medical communications- Detailed instructions for continued care upon returning home- Remote follow-up consultations as needed

Long-Term Results

The long-term results of valve replacement surgery depend on the type of valve used and the patient's overall health. Mechanical valves typically last a lifetime but require lifelong anticoagulation therapy. Biological valves generally last 10-20 years before potentially requiring replacement, with newer generations showing improved durability. Patients who undergo valve replacement surgery in Iran report outcomes comparable to those achieved at leading global centers but at a fraction of the cost. Following surgery, most patients experience significant improvement in symptoms, exercise capacity, and quality of life. Long-term success is enhanced by proper anticoagulation management (if applicable), regular cardiac follow-up, and adherence to endocarditis prevention guidelines.