Aortic Valve Surgery
Repair and replacement, Lucknow

The aortic valve controls blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. When it becomes narrow (stenosis) or leaky (regurgitation), the heart has to work harder. At Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, the cardiac surgeon and cardiologists assess the valve and plan repair or replacement when it is needed.

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NABH-accredited hospital M.Ch (CTVS) cardiac surgeon Echo & cardiac imaging Cardiac ICU support

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About the surgery

What is aortic valve surgery?

In aortic valve replacement (AVR), the surgeon removes the damaged valve and stitches a new valve in its place, through an opening in the breastbone, with the heart-lung machine supporting the circulation. Some leaky valves can be repaired instead of replaced.

  • Assessment with echo and other heart tests
  • Choice of mechanical or tissue valve discussed with you
  • Can be combined with bypass surgery if needed
  • Monitoring in the cardiac ICU after surgery
  • Follow-up echo and blood thinner checks

Aortic stenosis

A narrowed valve that does not open fully.

Aortic regurgitation

A leaky valve that lets blood flow back.

Mechanical valve

Durable; needs lifelong blood thinners.

Tissue valve

Usually short-term blood thinners; may wear out over time.

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Symptoms

When valve surgery may be needed

Many people have no symptoms at first. See a cardiologist if you notice:

Breathlessness

On walking or climbing stairs, or lying flat.

Chest pain or tightness

Especially on exertion.

Dizziness or fainting

Particularly during activity.

Tiredness

Less able to do usual activities.

A heart murmur

Heard by a doctor during a check-up.

Weakening heart

Seen on echo, even without symptoms.

Fainting, chest pain or sudden breathlessness with a known valve problem needs urgent care. Call 0522-666-4444. Call 0522-666-4444.

Treatment options

Treatment options for aortic valve disease

Tap a card to read more.

Mechanical valve replacement

Long-lasting valve

Suits

Often younger patients.

Blood thinners

Lifelong warfarin with INR tests.

Durability

Designed to last many years.

Tissue valve replacement

Valve made from animal tissue

Suits

Often older patients or those who cannot take warfarin.

Blood thinners

Usually for a few months only.

Durability

May need replacing after some years.

Aortic valve repair

Keeping your own valve

Suits

Some leaky valves.

Benefit

Avoids long-term blood thinners in suitable cases.

Decision

Made by the surgeon based on the valve’s structure.

Valve surgery with bypass

Combined operation

When

If coronary arteries are also blocked.

Recovery

Similar to valve surgery alone, sometimes longer.

Read more

See our bypass surgery guide.

Bypass surgery

Catheter-based valve (TAVI)

Without opening the chest

What it is

A new valve placed through a tube, usually from the groin.

Suits

Selected patients, often older or at high surgical risk.

Ask

Your heart team can discuss whether it is an option for you.

Monitoring and medicines

For mild disease

What it is

Regular echo checks and medicines for symptoms.

Note

Medicines do not fix a narrowed valve.

When to act

Surgery is timed before the heart weakens.

No match found. Please call us on 0522-666-4444 — we will guide you.

Tests

Tests before valve surgery

These help confirm the diagnosis and plan surgery.

Echocardiography

Shows how narrow or leaky the valve is.

ECG & chest X-ray

Heart rhythm and lungs.

Coronary angiography

Checks the heart arteries, usually above 40 years of age.

Blood tests

Kidney, liver, sugar and clotting.

Dental check

Treating dental infection before surgery.

Mechanical or tissue valve?

Tap to compare.

The operation

What happens during and after surgery

Here is what to expect.

The operation

Under general anaesthesia, the breastbone is opened, the heart-lung machine is connected and the valve is repaired or replaced. Surgery usually takes 3 to 5 hours.

General anaesthesiaHeart-lung machineDrains and monitoring lines

Before

  • Fasting as advised
  • Blood thinners stopped as advised
  • Skin preparation

Family

  • Wait in the family area
  • The surgeon will update you
  • ICU visiting as per rules
Your journey

From diagnosis to recovery

Step 1

Consultation

Symptoms and echo reviewed.

Step 2

Tests

Echo, angiography and blood tests.

Step 3

Plan & estimate

Valve type, risks and costs explained.

Step 4

Surgery

Usually 3 to 5 hours.

Step 5

ICU & ward

About a week in hospital.

Step 6

Follow-up

Echo, INR tests and rehab.

Recovery

Recovering after valve surgery

General guidance — always follow the instructions your surgeon gives you.

Blood thinners (warfarin)

With a mechanical valve you will take warfarin or a similar medicine for life, with regular INR blood tests.

Keep your INR in the range your doctor sets. Tell every doctor and dentist that you have a valve.

Activity

Walk every day, increasing slowly. Avoid heavy lifting, pushing or pulling for 6–8 weeks while the breastbone heals.

Driving is usually avoided for about 4–6 weeks.

Dental care & infection

Look after your teeth and see a dentist regularly. Tell the dentist about your valve before any procedure.

Report fevers that do not settle — valve infections need early treatment.

Pregnancy

Women with a heart valve should plan pregnancy with their cardiologist and obstetrician, as some blood thinners need changing.

Contact us urgently if

  • Fever that lasts more than two days
  • Sudden breathlessness, fainting or a racing heartbeat
  • Weakness of one side, slurred speech or blurred vision
  • Unusual bleeding or black stools while on blood thinners
  • Redness or discharge from the wound
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Common worries about valve surgery

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“If I feel fine, the valve problem can wait.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Some severe valve problems damage the heart before symptoms appear. Regular echo checks help time surgery correctly.

Myth

“A mechanical valve means I cannot live normally.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Most people return to work and daily life. The main change is taking blood thinners and having INR tests.

Myth

“Tissue valves never need blood thinners.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Usually only for a few months, but other conditions such as an irregular heartbeat may still need them.

Myth

“The ticking sound of a valve means something is wrong.”

Tap to flip
Fact

A soft clicking sound is normal with many mechanical valves.

Your heart team

Meet the heart team

Cardiac sciences Bypass surgery Critical care
Practical help

Preparing for surgery, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us plan your treatment.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Echo reports and CDs
  • Angiography report, if done
  • A list of all medicines, including blood thinners
  • Dental check report, if asked
  • Insurance card, Ayushman card or employer letter

Costs & insurance

The cost depends on the type of valve, whether other procedures are combined, and the length of ICU and hospital stay. Ask for a written estimate after your consultation.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How long does aortic valve surgery take?

Usually 3 to 5 hours.

How long will I stay in hospital?

Most patients stay about 6 to 8 days, including 1 to 3 days in the ICU.

Which valve is right for me?

It depends on your age, other health conditions, lifestyle and whether you can take long-term blood thinners. Your surgeon will discuss this with you.

What are the risks?

Risks include bleeding, infection, irregular heartbeat, stroke and kidney problems. Your surgeon will explain your own risk.

How long does a new valve last?

Mechanical valves are designed to last many years. Tissue valves may need replacing after some years.

Can I have TAVI instead of open surgery?

TAVI suits selected patients. Your heart team can discuss whether it is an option for you.

Is valve surgery covered by insurance?

Most health insurance policies and Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY cover valve surgery for eligible patients.

How do I book a consultation?

Call 0522-666-4444 or use the form on this page.

Glossary

Words you may hear

StenosisNarrowing of a valve, so it does not open fully.
RegurgitationLeaking of a valve, so blood flows backwards.
Mechanical valveAn artificial valve made of durable material; needs lifelong blood thinners.
Tissue valveA valve made from animal tissue; usually needs blood thinners only for a short time.
INRA blood test that monitors warfarin.
Rheumatic heart diseaseValve damage after rheumatic fever in childhood.
EchocardiographyAn ultrasound scan of the heart.
TAVITranscatheter aortic valve implantation, a valve placed through a tube.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Cardiac sciences Double valve replacement Heart bypass surgery Angioplasty Critical care

Discuss valve surgery with our heart team

Bring your echo reports for a consultation. Call 0522-666-4444.

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Your details are used only to contact you about your appointment.

Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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