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Heart, section through the middle Heart, front view Heart valves - anterior view Heart valves - superior view Heart valve surgery - series

Overview Recovery Risks

Heart valve surgery

Alternative Names: Valve replacement; Valve repair; Heart valve prosthesis Expectations after surgery: The success rate of heart valve surgery is high. The operation can relieve your symptoms and prolong your life. Text Continues Below The death rate averages 2% to 5%, depending on the heart valve. About 2 of every 3 patients who received an artificial mitral valve are still alive 9 years after the surgery. The clicking of the mechanical heart valve may be heard in the chest. This is normal. Convalescence: You will stay in an intensive care unit for the first 2 or 3 days following the operation. Your heart functions will be monitored constantly. The average hospital stay is 1-2 weeks. Complete recovery will take a few weeks to several months, depending on your health before surgery.

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