Replacement heart valve

A replacement heart valve is made of plastic, metal, or animal tissue and is implanted to replace a person's original heart valve. A replacement valve can be implanted during an open-heart surgery or a minimally invasive procedure. These valves are also called mechanical valves or tissue valves.

A person's heart valve may be replaced if it no longer works properly because of a birth defect or because of damage caused by a disease or aging.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.