The common disease which affects valves of the heart are:

• Rheumatic fever
• Degenerative valvular disease
• Infections called Bacterial endocarditis
• Valve leaks after myocardial infarction

Indications for valve replacement:

• Valve stenosis leaks
• Dilated chambers of the heart
• Thrombo embolic episodes
• Severe pulmonary artery hypertension

Types of Valves:

• Mechanical valves (metal)
• Tissue valves (a. Bovine valves b. Porcine valves)
• Dilated chambers of the heart

Advantages of tissue valves:

• No need for lifelong anticoagulation
• Less thromboembolic episodes

Disadvantages of Mechanical valves:

• Will require lifelong anticoagulation
• Thromboembolic phenomenon is very common

Approach to valve surgery:

• Midline central chest incision
• Side incision through chest

Duration of hospital stay – 7 days

Safe surgery with less than 1% mortality rates