At our Cardiovascular Center, we treat heart valve disease using surgical and catheter-based options selected according to each patient’s condition, age, and lifestyle.
What it is
Heart valve disease occurs when one or more heart valves do not open or close properly.
This may cause blood to flow backward (regurgitation) or restrict forward flow (stenosis),
leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or heart failure.
Our treatment
Treatment is determined by the affected valve and the type of valve problem, such as regurgitation or stenosis.
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Mitral and tricuspid regurgitation:
Valve repair is our preferred approach whenever feasible, in order to preserve the patient’s own valve. -
Aortic valve disease and mitral stenosis:
Valve replacement is often required. -
Aortic valve stenosis:
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) may be an option in selected patients.
How we individualize treatment
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Repair vs. replacement:
Valve repair is prioritized when appropriate to reduce long-term burden and preserve native valve function. -
Mechanical vs. biological valve:
Mechanical valves are durable but typically require long-term anticoagulation (warfarin).
Biological valves have a limited lifespan but usually do not require long-term anticoagulation. -
Patient-centered planning:
Treatment options are discussed with each patient, taking into account age, comorbidities, and lifestyle.
With improvements in the durability of biological valves and the availability of valve-in-valve procedures (such as TAVI in SAV), biological valves are now selected more frequently in appropriate cases.
Minimally invasive approach — robotic MICS
For selected valve procedures, our center performs
robotic minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS)
using the da Vinci surgical system, without full sternotomy (opening of the breastbone).
All procedures are performed fully endoscopically.
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No sternotomy:
Surgery is performed through small incisions in the chest, avoiding full opening of the breastbone. -
Smaller scars, less pain:
Postoperative discomfort is typically reduced, with a shorter recovery period compared with conventional open-heart surgery. -
Fully endoscopic:
All procedures are performed under complete endoscopic guidance using the da Vinci system. -
Clinical experience:
A total of 40 cases were performed in 2023.
Robotic MICS is available as a self-funded option.
Suitability depends on the valve involved, the type of procedure, and individual patient factors.
Please enquire for a case-by-case assessment.
Catheter-based options
For patients who are not suitable for open surgery, catheter-based treatment options are available through the Cardiology Department at the same hospital, including TAVI for aortic stenosis and MitraClip for mitral regurgitation.
All structural heart cases are evaluated jointly by the Heart Team.
Appointment
Appointments are required in principle. A referral letter from another medical institution is recommended but not mandatory.
For appointment requests and language support, please see the
Cardiovascular Center page.