Sometimes valves start leaking or become narrow, i.e., the opening of the valves become smaller, called valve stenosis, hindering proper blood flow. There are different methods for replacing the valve.
7The valve can be replaced with a mechanical valve which has long durability. If you choose this, there are chances that you’ll require blood thinning medication throughout our life to prevent blood clots. These clots can get stuck in the valve or travel with blood and get stuck in a vessel causing problems.
You can also choose to get a membrane made of either synthetic materials or animal tissue. This usually lasts for 10 to 20 years, so, there are very less chances that you’ll need to get it changed.
In case of illness like infective endocarditis, a valve is taken from someone else and it replaces your damaged one.
A common alternative for this is balloon valvuloplasty. This is similar to angioplasty where the narrowed section is widened using a balloon.