Surgery of the Heart Valves - Heart Valve Surgery

What happens later at home?

It may take months for a person to fully recover from open heart valve surgery. Activity should be increased gradually as the person is able to tolerate it. People with artificial valves are usually put on blood thinning medications to prevent blood clots. Individuals with biologic valves generally do not need blood-thinning medications. However, biologic valves tend to wear out after several years and may need to be replaced.

What are the potential complications after the procedure?

All major surgery carries the risks of bleeding, infection and death. Chest pain may last for months. Some numbness in the skin near the incision may also occur. However, this problem often gets better over time.