Heart Valve Surgery Options

Sharp Memorial Hospital specializes in the surgical treatment of heart valve disease. Our affiliated cardiac surgeons provide the following surgical options for heart valve surgery:

  • Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery
    Sharp's affiliated surgeons routinely perform minimally invasive mitral valve repair surgery. In minimally invasive valve surgery, the incision is much smaller — about 3 inches instead of the 6 to 8 inches required for traditional cardiac surgery. The surgery can be completed through small incisions at either the lower breastbone or in the side rather than with a sternotomy (a longer surgical incision made through the sternum). In addition to a smaller scar, patients typically experience a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and less risk for infection. The benefit to patients is dramatic: shorter healing time and hospital stays, less scarring, reduced pain and a lower chance of infection. Sharp Memorial Hospital was first in San Diego to use da Vinci® advanced robotic-assisted heart valve surgery, which is one minimally invasive surgical option available to patients.
  • MAZE Procedure and Mitral Valve Repair
    The MAZE procedure is often performed during mitral valve repair surgery. The procedure typically adds only about 20 to 30 minutes to the surgery and is effective in eliminating atrial fibrillation. Many patients who receive both a mitral valve repair and a MAZE procedure no longer need to take long-term blood-thinning medications.
  • Aortic Valve Surgery
    Sharp's affiliated surgeons perform aortic valve repair and aortic valve replacement. Learn more about aortic valve surgery.

For More Information
To learn more about heart valve surgery at Sharp Memorial Hospital, send us an email and a cardiac specialist will contact you directly. To learn more about valvular disease, visit Heart Valve Diseases in Adult Health. To learn more about heart valve repair and replacement, read Frequently Asked Questions About Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Repair Surgery.

Find a Heart Valve Surgeon in San Diego
To find a Sharp-affiliated doctor, search for a San Diego heart valve surgeon or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.