Patient Education

Heart Health Library

Our Health Library does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their heart health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Replacement heart valve

A replacement heart valve is made of plastic, metal, or animal tissue and is implanted to replace a person's original heart valve. A replacement valve can be implanted during an open-heart surgery or a minimally invasive procedure. These valves are also called mechanical valves or tissue valves.

A person's heart valve may be replaced if it no longer works properly because of a birth defect or because of damage caused by a disease or aging.