Concept for Valve Surgery

There are a number of approaches physicians can take to repair defective heart valves. The best approach depends on the nature of the valve problem, and the unique medical condition of the patient. In some cases, existing heart valves can be repaired. If they cannot be repaired, they can be replaced. Heart valve replacements are either biological, such as those from an animal or human donor, or mechanical. Heart valve procedures can be accomplished during open-heart surgery, or in some cases, through minimally invasive techniques, including minimally invasive surgery and catheter-based procedures.

The main concept of Dr. Aybek for valve surgery is “repair”. Repair is the best technique for the patient. The patient does not lose his valve and he has no artificial material in his body. The patient’s own valve will always have better blood flow conditions. No medication for coagulation is necessary (see patient information for more.). Depending on the technique, the durability of the repaired valve can be more than 30 years. Dr. Tayfun Aybek and his team utilize all established, proven and patented repair techniques, like Carpentier’s for mitral, David’s for aortic root, Cabrol’s and Schaefers’ for aortic valve.

Again, the team prefers a minimally invasive approach for valve disease. Various incisions are utilized for valve repair and replacement techniques (...pictures...). As part of a large world wide series on this topic, published by Dr. Aybek, results show a low mortality rate (less than 2%) and superior durability rate after several years. The results can be viewed in the publication section, along with more detailed explanations of the different surgical techniques.