Valve replacement is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or diseased heart valve with a new one. The heart has four valves that help regulate blood flow, and when these valves do not function properly, it can lead to serious health issues. The new valve can be either mechanical, made from durable materials, or biological, made from animal tissue. During the procedure, a surgeon typically makes an incision in the chest to access the heart. The patient may be placed on a heart-lung machine to maintain blood circulation while the damaged valve is removed and replaced with the new valve. Recovery time varies, but many patients can return to normal activities within a few months.