Valve replacement is a surgical procedure that involves removing a damaged heart valve and replacing it with a new one. This can be necessary when the valve does not open or close properly, leading to issues like heart failure or other serious complications. The new valve can be either mechanical, made from durable materials, or biological, made from animal tissues. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and may involve open-heart surgery or a less invasive approach. Recovery time varies, but patients often need to stay in the hospital for several days and may require rehabilitation to regain strength and improve heart function.