AVR / MVR at CritiCare Asia Hospitals, Kurla
A heart valve that has stopped working properly rarely corrects itself. When a valve narrows, leaks, or stiffens beyond what repair can fix, surgery becomes the more reliable path. Valve replacement, of either the aortic valve (AVR) or the mitral valve (MVR), is one of the most established operations in cardiac surgery. CritiCare Asia Hospitals is a heart hospital in Mumbai where each valve case is reviewed carefully before surgery is advised. Our team recommends heart valve replacement in Kurla, Mumbai, to keep the heart working efficiently and to prevent complications, with every step explained in plain words.
Symptoms That Suggest a Valve Problem
Watch for these signs:
Breathlessness on routine activity
Tiredness that does not improve with rest
Chest discomfort, especially on effort
When symptoms start to interfere with daily life, or scans show the valve has worsened a great deal, surgery is usually recommended. The best cardiologists in Kurla, Mumbai at CritiCare Asia Hospitals can assess your symptoms and arrange the right tests.
Access, Costs and Clarity for Families
Valve surgery is a major step, and families need clear information before they agree to it. Being close to Kurla Station and LBS Marg helps relatives visit during the hospital stay and attend follow-up checks afterwards. Our team explains the tests, the expected stay, and which costs insurance or cashless facilities may cover before surgery is scheduled. A plain explanation at the beginning avoids confusion later.
Conditions That Require Surgical Intervention
Two main problems lead to AVR or MVR:
Valve stenosis
the valve narrows and restricts blood flow, so the heart works harderValve regurgitation
the valve does not close fully, so blood leaks backward instead of moving forward
Either problem, if it keeps progressing, strains the heart over time.
AVR vs MVR: A Quick Distinction
Aortic valve replacement treats the valve that controls blood flowing out of the heart into the body's main artery. Mitral valve replacement treats the valve between the two left chambers of the heart, where leaking is more common than narrowing. The indications differ slightly, but the idea is the same in both: replace what can no longer work safely.
When Repair Is Not Possible
Not every damaged valve needs replacing. Surgeons try repair first wherever the valve's structure allows it, because keeping the patient's own tissue is almost always better. Repair has limits, though. Heavy calcium deposits, extensive tissue damage, or a valve too deformed to rebuild reliably push the decision towards replacement. Age, the valve involved, and how advanced the disease is also count, and the call is made only after a thorough evaluation.
Recovery After AVR / MVR Surgery
Recovery happens in stages. Hospital stays are usually longer than after catheter-based procedures, because this is open surgery. The first days are spent under close monitoring before gradual movement begins. Many patients need blood thinners, especially with mechanical valves, and regular blood tests keep the levels in a safe range. The exact medicine and dose are decided by the treating cardiologist. Cardiac rehabilitation, a supervised exercise and recovery programme, often follows as strength returns over weeks and months.
Treatment Approach: Valve Types and the Procedure
Choosing a replacement valve involves a trade-off, and no option is better for everyone:
Mechanical valves are built to last, often for decades, but need lifelong blood thinners to prevent clots
Tissue (bioprosthetic) valves, made from treated animal tissue, do not need lifelong blood thinners but tend to wear out sooner, sometimes needing replacement after ten to fifteen years
Younger patients often lean towards mechanical valves for durability, while older patients or those who wish to avoid long-term blood thinners may prefer tissue valves. The decision is made together, weighing lifestyle, age, and other health factors.
AVR and MVR surgery in Kurla, Mumbai is performed as open-heart surgery. It usually needs an incision through the breastbone and a heart-lung machine, which keeps blood circulating while the heart is briefly stopped. The damaged valve is removed and the new one, mechanical or tissue, is stitched into place. Once its function is confirmed, the heart is restarted, and the chest closed. It is a longer and more involved operation than catheter-based options, but it remains the standard choice for many patients, especially where transcatheter options are not suitable.
AVR / MVR Treatment at CritiCare Asia Hospitals, Kurla
The decision to repair or replace a valve is never made on a single test. Our evaluation includes echocardiography, cardiac catheterisation where needed, and an honest review of whether the valve can be repaired first. Repair is preferred whenever the anatomy allows it, since keeping the native tissue avoids the long-term trade-offs of an artificial valve. Our cardiac surgical team treats aortic valve replacement in Kurla, Mumbai as a decision made with the patient, so every option is explained with its real trade-offs before surgery is booked. The first weeks after valve surgery carry the highest risk of complications, so recovery is tracked closely. Pre-surgical evaluation also includes an overall fitness assessment for surgery.