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Heart Valve Replacement, Repair

The heart valves control the flow of blood between the heart chambers (atria and ventricles) and between the left ventricle and the major artery (aorta) that supplies the body's blood vessels with blood containing oxygen. Some valve defects can be treated with medicine, while others may be repaired or replaced surgically. When one of these 'gateways' is defective at birth or damaged by an infection, heart disease or aging, it may not allow proper circulation. Crozer cardiac surgeons can repair or replace defective heart valves using the patient's own body tissues, in many cases, or new natural or mechanical valves.