NEWS/EVENTS

Heart Valve Surgery at Great Falls Clinic

A team of medical professionals working together in a hospital operating room during a surgical procedure.

When your heart valves aren’t functioning properly, it can significantly impact your quality of life and overall health.1 At Great Falls Clinic’s Heart Center, we understand the importance of timely, expert cardiac care. Our advanced cardiothoracic surgery program offers specialized heart valve repair procedures to help restore your heart’s optimal function, enabling you to return to living your best life.

Understanding Heart Valve Conditions

Heart valve problems can develop for various reasons, and recognizing when you might need surgical intervention is crucial for your health. Several conditions may make you a candidate for heart valve surgery:

  • Valve stenosis occurs when heart valves become narrowed or stiff, restricting blood flow through the heart.2 This condition often develops gradually and can affect any of the four heart valves, with aortic stenosis being the most common form requiring surgical intervention.1,2
  • Valve Regurgitation happens when valves don’t close properly, allowing blood to flow backward through the heart. This creates extra work for your heart muscle and can lead to heart failure if left untreated. Mitral valve regurgitation is frequently addressed through specialized repair techniques.1
  • Congenital Heart Defects present from birth may require surgical correction as patients age. These conditions can include bicuspid aortic valves or other structural abnormalities that affect valve function over time.1
  • Rheumatic Heart Disease can damage heart valves following untreated strep throat infections. While less common today due to the availability of antibiotics, this condition can still require surgical intervention to restore proper valve function.1
  • Age-related Valve Deterioration naturally occurs as we get older, with calcification and structural changes potentially requiring surgical repair or intervention to maintain heart health.1

Expert Cardiothoracic Surgery at Great Falls Clinic

Great Falls Clinic is proud to offer the expertise of Dr. Simon Maltais, a highly specialized cardiothoracic surgeon who is currently accepting new patients and referrals. Dr. Maltais brings exceptional expertise to our Heart Center, specializing in advanced procedures including Complex Mitral Valve Repair and Transcatheter Valve Implantation. His training encompasses robotically-assisted cardiac surgery, TAVR procedures, and complex heart interventions that can address even the most challenging valve conditions.

Know What to Expect When Planning Heart Valve Repair Surgery

Planning for heart valve repair surgery at Great Falls Clinic involves a comprehensive, patient-centered approach designed to ensure the best possible outcomes. Our team will guide you through each step of the process, from initial consultation through recovery.

  • Pre-Surgical Evaluation includes detailed cardiac imaging, blood work, and a thorough assessment of your overall health. This comprehensive evaluation enables Dr. Maltais to determine the most appropriate surgical approach for your specific condition.
  • Surgical Planning involves discussing your treatment options, including minimally invasive techniques when appropriate. Dr. Maltais will explain the recommended procedure, expected outcomes, and recovery timeline specific to your case.
  • Preparation for Surgery includes pre-operative instructions, medication adjustments, and coordination with your care team. Our staff will ensure you understand all aspects of your upcoming procedure and feel confident about your treatment plan.
  • Recovery Support extends beyond the operating room, with dedicated cardiac rehabilitation services and ongoing monitoring to ensure optimal healing. Our team provides comprehensive post-operative care to support your return to full activity.

Get Answers to Your Most Important Heart Valve Surgery Questions

What happens if a heart valve falls out of place?

If a heart valve becomes displaced (for example, due to severe prolapse, rupture of supporting structures, or prosthetic valve dislocation), heart valve repair is performed to restore proper valve function.1,5

Which disease is characterized by inflammation of the heart valves?

Endocarditis, the medical term for inflammation of the heart valves, is often caused by an infection. If endocarditis severely damages a valve, surgical repair of the affected valve is often necessary.3

Will I need to take blood thinners after heart valve repair?

The need for blood thinners depends on your specific procedure and individual risk factors. Many patients who undergo valve repair rather than replacement may not need long-term blood thinners.

How will I know if my heart valve repair was successful?

You’ll likely notice improvements in your symptoms within weeks to months after surgery. Most patients experience increased energy, less shortness of breath, and the ability to return to activities they previously found difficult.

How long does recovery from heart valve repair take?

Recovery time varies depending on the specific procedure and individual patient factors. Most patients can expect to return to normal activities within 4 to 8 weeks following surgery.4

Are there minimally invasive options for heart valve repair?

Yes, Dr. Maltais specializes in robotically-assisted cardiac interventions and transcatheter procedures that can often be performed through smaller incisions. These advanced techniques can reduce recovery time and minimize surgical trauma while achieving excellent outcomes.

Heart Valve Repair at Great Falls Clinic

At Great Falls Clinic’s Heart Center, we’re committed to providing exceptional cardiac care close to home. Our state-of-the-art facilities, combined with Dr. Maltais’s expertise in advanced heart valve repair techniques, ensure that you receive world-class treatment without having to travel far from your community.

If you’re experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, or irregular heartbeat, don’t wait to seek evaluation. Early intervention often prevents more serious complications and improves long-term outcomes. Contact Great Falls Clinic today at (406) 205-2699 or visit https://gfclinic.com/department/thoracic-and-vascular-surgery/ to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better heart health.

Sources:

  1. Stantangelo, G. (2023). The Global Burden of Valvular Heart Disease: From Clinical Epidemiology to Management. Journal of Clinical Medicine. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12062178
  2. Czarney, M. (2014). Diagnosis and Management of Valvular Aortic Stenosis. Clinical Medicine Insights: Cardiology. https://doi.org/10.4137/CMC.S15716
  3. Rajani, R. (2020). Infective endocarditis: A contemporary update. Clinical Medicine. https://doi.org/10.7861/clinmed.cme.20.1.1
  4. Heart Valve Surgery Recovery and Follow Up. Heart.org. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/recovery-and-healthy-living-goals-for-heart-valve-patients/heart-valve-surgery-recovery-and-follow-up
  5. Watt, T. (2019). Degenerative Mitral Valve Repair Restores Life Expectancy. Annals of Thoracic Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.athoracsur.2019.07.014