Considerations for Reoperative Heart Valve Surgery

Reoperative valve surgery is being performed with increasing frequency in the last decades. This is mainly due to the increasing use of bioprosthetic valves, a growing population of patients presenting with prosthetic valve endocarditis, and an ageing population. Reoperative valve surgery has been historically associated with poorer outcomes than primary valve surgery. However, continuous advancements in modern cardiac surgery techniques and perioperative care have led to considerable improvement in postoperative outcomes. This review outlines considerations for reoperative heart valve surgery including preoperative assessment, perioperative management, and technical sur-gical aspects to maximize the chances of successful outcomes in this challenging patient population.

Automated summary

Reoperative valve surgery has become more common in recent decades due to the increased use of bioprosthetic valves, a higher incidence of prosthetic valve endocarditis, and an aging population. Although historically associated with poorer outcomes, advancements in cardiac surgery techniques and perioperative care have significantly improved postoperative results. This review provides an overview of preoperative assessment, perioperative management, and technical surgical aspects to maximize successful outcomes in this challenging patient population.