Heart valve surgery

With an ageing population, the incidence of degenerative valve disease is increasing and subsequently more patients are being diagnosed and being referred for intervention. Improvements in diagnostic imaging techniques have facilitated earlier diagnosis and strategic planning of intervention. Decision making can be complex and challenging, hence valvular heart disease is now managed through a multidisciplinary ‘heart team’ approach and guidelines have been developed that have a strong evidence base. Advances in perioperative management and operative techniques have resulted in reductions in morbidity and mortality associated with surgery. Surgical therapy for valvular heart disease is associated with excellent symptomatic improvements and long-term outcomes. The advent of transcatheter valves has revolutionized the management of aortic valve disease, especially in high risk patients that were previously deemed inoperable.