What happens when a heart valve is leaking, and what is the treatment?

Dr. Allen Raczkowski

An incompetent valve (leaky) means that a portion of the blood flow moves backwards to the normal flow.

Some leakage is considered normal, but if the backward flow is too large, heart failure can result. If allowed to progress, severe heart failure can significantly change the quality of life and even result in a shortened life span.

An evaluation by a cardiologist is important to determine if treatment is needed.

Mitral vale leakage is one condition, which can be treated with minimally invasive robotic surgery preserving the patients natural valve and allowing a quicker return to normal life.

Dr. Allen Raczkowski practices Cardiothoracic Surgery and General Surgery at Banner Heart Hospital in Mesa, Arizona. Renowned as the world's leading robotic cardiac surgeon, Dr. Raczkowski uses a special technology, the Da Vinci robot, which enables him to perform delicate procedures such as valve repairs and coronary artery surgery, producing better results, and offering patients a better quality of life in much less time than traditional heart surgery. Dr. Raczkowski graduated from the Wayne State University School of Medicine with an MD and has been in the profession for over 30 years. Visit him online at www.bannerhealth.com.