Prosthetic Valves
Prosthetic valves are artificial devices used to replace damaged or diseased heart valves. They help restore normal blood flow within the heart, which is crucial for overall cardiovascular health. These valves can be made from mechanical materials or biological tissues, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Patients may require prosthetic valves due to conditions such as rheumatic fever, congenital heart defects, or valvular heart disease. The surgical procedure to implant these valves is known as valve replacement surgery, and it can significantly improve a patient's quality of life and reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue.