Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions About Heart Valve Surgery
We understand you have questions. Here are answers to some of the most common ones.
Minimally invasive heart valve surgery is an approach that uses a small 2–3 inch incision between the ribs rather than the traditional full sternotomy (splitting the breastbone). This allows the surgeon to repair or replace heart valves with less trauma to the body, resulting in faster recovery, less pain, reduced blood loss, and smaller scars. Not every patient is a candidate — Dr. Hoffberger will evaluate your individual situation to determine the best approach.
Valve repair preserves your own natural valve tissue by fixing the existing valve, while replacement involves removing the damaged valve and implanting a new one (mechanical or biological). When possible, repair is preferred because it typically leads to better long-term outcomes, avoids lifelong blood-thinning medication, and preserves natural heart function.
Recovery varies by individual, but most minimally invasive heart surgery patients are out of bed within 24 hours, leave the hospital within 3–5 days, and return to normal activities within weeks rather than months. Many patients report walking a mile or more within a month of surgery.
TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) is a minimally invasive procedure used to replace a diseased aortic valve without open-heart surgery. A new valve is delivered through a catheter, typically inserted through a small incision in the leg. TAVR is often recommended for patients at higher risk for traditional open surgery, though it is increasingly used across a wide range of patients.
Absolutely. A second opinion is standard practice in cardiac surgery and something Dr. Hoffberger encourages. If you’ve been told you need heart valve surgery, a consultation can help confirm the diagnosis, explore all treatment options — including whether minimally invasive approaches are available to you — and ensure you feel confident in your surgical plan.