Heart Valve Surgery

Dr Mathur has performed over 2000 valve surgeries which includes over 650 valve repairs. He is one of the most experienced valve surgeons in Sydney.

Heart valve surgery is surgery to repair or replace diseased heart valves.  There are four heart valves that keep blood flowing in the correct direction through the heart.  If one or more leaks or narrows, the heart struggles resulting in symptoms. Initially this is usually managed medically but with further progression intervention is required to improve long term survival. 

Leaky mitral and tricuspid valves can often be repaired.  Aortic valves are usually replaced.  The valves are replaced with tissue valves (pig or cow) or mechanical valves that require life long warfarin.  Both have their advantages and disadvantages but most importantly they will prolong your life.

There are various approaches to the heart valves including through the breast bone and the minimal access approach through the right chest wall.  Both approaches involve the heart lung machine and for the heart to be stopped temporarily.  The alternative percutaneous approach through the groin doesn’t involve the heart lung machine and is associated with a rapid recovery but is usually reserved for the elderly and inoperable patients.