Double Valve Replacement
Mitral and aortic valve surgery, Lucknow

Double valve replacement (DVR) replaces both the mitral and aortic valves in one operation. In India it is most often needed after rheumatic heart disease. At Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, the cardiac surgeon and cardiologists plan the operation and the long-term care that follows.

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About the surgery

What is double valve replacement?

The mitral valve controls blood flow from the left upper chamber to the main pumping chamber; the aortic valve controls flow from the heart to the body. When both are badly damaged, the surgeon replaces both in a single open-heart operation, using the heart-lung machine. Sometimes the tricuspid valve is repaired at the same time.

  • Most often needed after rheumatic heart disease
  • Both valves replaced in one operation
  • Mechanical or tissue valves, chosen with you
  • Lifelong follow-up with echo and INR checks
  • Support for blood thinners, pregnancy planning and dental care

Mitral valve

Between the left upper and lower chambers.

Aortic valve

Between the heart and the main artery.

Blood thinners

Needed for life with mechanical valves.

Follow-up

Regular reviews keep you on track.

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Symptoms

When double valve surgery may be needed

Symptoms usually develop slowly. See a cardiologist if you have:

Breathlessness

On exertion, at night or lying flat.

Palpitations

Fast or irregular heartbeat.

Swelling of feet

Fluid build-up.

Tiredness

Reduced ability to work.

Rheumatic fever in childhood

With a known heart murmur.

Fainting or chest pain

Especially during activity.

Sudden breathlessness, coughing frothy sputum or fainting needs emergency care. Call 0522-666-4444. Call 0522-666-4444.

Tests

Tests before surgery

These help confirm the diagnosis and plan surgery.

Echocardiography

Shows how narrow or leaky each valve is.

ECG & chest X-ray

Rhythm, heart size and lungs.

Coronary angiography

For some patients, usually above 40 years of age.

Blood tests

Kidney, liver, sugar and clotting.

Dental check

Treating dental infection before surgery.

Mechanical or tissue valves?

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 both valves are replaced. Surgery usually takes 4 to 6 hours.

General anaesthesiaHeart-lung machineDrains and monitoring lines

Before

  • Fasting as advised
  • Blood thinners adjusted
  • 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, blood tests and other checks.

Step 3

Plan & estimate

Valve choice, risks and costs explained.

Step 4

Surgery

Usually 4 to 6 hours.

Step 5

ICU & ward

About 7 to 10 days in hospital.

Step 6

Follow-up

INR clinic, echo 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
  • A list of all medicines, including blood thinners and penicillin injections
  • Dental check report, if asked
  • Previous discharge summaries
  • Insurance card, Ayushman card or employer letter

Costs & insurance

The cost depends on the valves used, any additional repair, 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

Why do both valves need replacing?

Rheumatic heart disease often damages both the mitral and aortic valves. Replacing both in one operation avoids a second surgery.

How long does the operation take?

Usually 4 to 6 hours.

How long will I stay in hospital?

Usually 7 to 10 days, including 2 to 3 days in the ICU.

Will I need blood thinners for life?

With mechanical valves, yes, along with regular INR tests. Tissue valves usually need them for a shorter time.

Can women have children after valve replacement?

Many can, with careful planning. Some blood thinners need changing during pregnancy, so plan with your cardiologist and obstetrician.

What are the risks?

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

Is double valve replacement 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 Aortic valve surgery Heart bypass surgery Pregnancy care Dental 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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