Leading Hospitals for Heart Valve Repair and Replacement Treatment
Heart valve repair and replacement are critical procedures for treating heart valve disease, a condition affecting the proper function of the heart's valves. When selecting a healthcare provider for such a complex surgery, expertise, high procedure volume, and excellent outcomes are paramount.
The following article and table highlight some of the leading hospitals and cardiac centers globally, known for their proficiency in heart valve repair and replacement, including both traditional open-heart surgery and minimally invasive techniques like Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) and MitraClip procedures.
The Importance of Specialized Cardiac Centers
Hospitals that are consistently ranked highly for cardiology and heart surgery often excel in heart valve treatments. These centers typically offer:
High Procedure Volume: Surgeons and teams who perform a large number of valve procedures annually generally possess greater experience, which can correlate with better outcomes.
Multidisciplinary Teams: A collaborative approach involving cardiac surgeons, interventional cardiologists, imaging specialists, and specialized nurses ensures comprehensive care and personalized treatment planning.
Advanced Techniques: Expertise in a full range of options, including complex valve repairs, robotic-assisted surgery, and transcatheter therapies, allows for the best treatment tailored to the patient's specific condition.
Clinical Research and Innovation: Leading centers are often involved in clinical trials, giving patients access to the latest advancements and innovative treatment methods.
Leading Hospitals for Heart Valve Repair / Replacement
Based on high rankings in cardiology and heart surgery, high volume of valve procedures, and international recognition, here are some of the world's leading hospitals for heart valve repair and replacement treatment.
Rank (Based on various sources) | Hospital / Cardiac Institute Name | Location | Key Expertise / Recognition |
1 | Mayo Clinic - Rochester | Rochester, Minnesota, USA | Consistently ranked No. 1 or near the top for Cardiology and Heart Surgery; high-volume center for complex procedures and TAVR. |
2 | Cleveland Clinic / Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute | Cleveland, Ohio, USA | Frequently ranked No. 1 or near the top; reported as one of the highest-volume hospitals globally for heart valve surgery. |
3 | NYU Langone Hospitals | New York, New York, USA | Recognized as a top hospital for cardiology and heart surgery; noted for high-volume transcatheter procedures (TAVR, MitraClip) and robotic mitral valve repair. |
4 | Massachusetts General Hospital / Corrigan Minehan Heart Center | Boston, Massachusetts, USA | Highly ranked for Cardiology and Heart Surgery, providing comprehensive care for complex heart valve conditions. |
5 | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center / Smidt Heart Institute | Los Angeles, California, USA | Ranked among the top centers nationally for cardiac care, including expertise in heart valve surgery. |
High-Volume International Center | Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin (DHZB) | Berlin, Germany | One of Europe's most renowned heart centers, a leader in heart valve replacement surgery and research. |
Highly Recognized International Center | Toronto General Hospital - University Health Network | Toronto, Canada | Internationally recognized for its robust cardiovascular program and leadership in cardiac surgery. |
Highly Recognized International Center | Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital | London, United Kingdom | A leading European center for heart and lung care, recognized for expertise in traditional and transcatheter heart valve procedures (TAVI). |
Disclaimer: Rankings can vary year-to-year and by source (e.g., U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek, specialty societies). This table represents a selection of internationally recognized and highly-ranked centers known for their specialized heart valve programs. Patients should always consult with their physician and do personal research when making critical healthcare decisions. This information is for general awareness and informational purposes only.
Looking Forward
Choosing the right hospital for heart valve repair or replacement is a decision that significantly impacts the outcome of the procedure and long-term quality of life. The leading institutions listed above represent the pinnacle of cardiac care, distinguished by their high patient volumes, advanced technological capabilities, and multidisciplinary teams of renowned cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists. Ultimately, a thorough consultation with your current cardiologist is the essential first step to determine the best course of action and identify a specialized center that can offer the expertise and personalized treatment plan necessary for a successful recovery.
Leading Heart Valve Treatment: Mayo Clinic - Rochester
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is consistently recognized as one of the top hospitals globally for cardiology and heart surgery. Its program for heart valve repair and replacement is distinguished by an integrated, multidisciplinary approach, high patient volume, and a commitment to utilizing the most advanced surgical and minimally invasive techniques.
The fundamental philosophy at Mayo Clinic is to repair the native valve rather than replace it whenever clinically possible, leading to better long-term outcomes and avoiding the complications associated with artificial valves.
The Mayo Clinic Approach to Heart Valve Treatment
Mayo Clinic’s specialized Valvular Heart Disease Clinic brings together an expert team—including cardiovascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists, and imaging specialists—to collaboratively determine the best, most personalized treatment plan for each patient.
Feature | Description of Expertise at Mayo Clinic - Rochester |
National Ranking | Consistently ranked No. 1 or near the top for Cardiology and Heart Surgery nationally by major publications (e.g., U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll). |
High Volume | Mayo Clinic cardiovascular surgeons perform approximately 2,250 heart valve surgeries each year, ensuring high surgical experience and proficiency. |
Repair-First Philosophy | A core principle, especially for the mitral valve, is to perform complex valve repair to preserve the native valve, whenever technically feasible. |
Minimally Invasive Surgery | Extensive expertise in a variety of less invasive techniques, including: |
- Robot-Assisted Heart Surgery for precise valve repair. | |
- Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery through smaller incisions for quicker recovery and less pain. | |
Transcatheter Procedures | High-volume provider of catheter-based treatments, particularly: |
- TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) for aortic stenosis. | |
- MitraClip and other transcatheter techniques for mitral valve repair/replacement. | |
Complex Conditions | Specializes in treating high-risk patients, including those with previous cardiac surgeries or complex pathologies like valve-sparing aortic root replacement and valve disease secondary to conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). |
Advanced Imaging | Utilization of state-of-the-art diagnostic tools like 3D Echocardiography and advanced imaging to guide complex procedures and ensure optimal surgical planning. |
Treatment Options Available
The comprehensive heart valve program at Mayo Clinic offers a full spectrum of treatment modalities for all four heart valves (aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary):
Open-Heart Surgery: Traditional surgical repair or replacement for complex cases or when minimally invasive options are not appropriate.
Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS): Surgery performed through small incisions, often involving thoracoscopic or robot-assisted techniques, leading to faster recovery.
Transcatheter Procedures:
TAVR/TAVI: Replacement of the aortic valve using a catheter, typically through a small incision in the groin.
Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair/Replacement: Procedures like MitraClip or emerging technologies for patients considered high-risk for open-heart surgery.
Balloon Valvuloplasty: Using a catheter to widen a narrowed valve opening.
By integrating this range of expertise with a collaborative team structure, Mayo Clinic remains a global leader in providing advanced and personalized care for heart valve disease.
Cleveland Clinic: Global Leader in Heart Valve Repair and Replacement
The Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic is consistently ranked as the number one program for cardiology and heart surgery in the United States. Its Heart Valve Center is renowned globally for its exceptional surgical volume, consistently superior patient outcomes, and expertise in treating the most complex and high-risk heart valve conditions.
The institute’s success is built upon a philosophy of radical collaboration between cardiothoracic surgeons, interventional cardiologists, and imaging specialists, ensuring every patient receives a tailored treatment plan utilizing the most advanced surgical and transcatheter technologies available.
Key Statistics and Expertise in Valve Treatment
Cleveland Clinic’s high volume of valve procedures directly correlates with low operative mortality rates, frequently demonstrating outcomes that are significantly better than the national expected average reported by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS).
Metric | Cleveland Clinic Valve Program Highlights | Significance |
National Ranking | #1 in Cardiology and Heart Surgery (U.S. News & World Report for 30+ years). | Sustained excellence and global leadership in cardiovascular care. |
Annual Valve Volume | Highest-volume heart valve surgery hospital in the U.S., performing thousands of valve operations annually (e.g., 3,932 in 2023). | Experience is a key predictor of low complication rates. |
Isolated Mitral Valve Repair | 0% operative mortality across thousands of cases over a recent decade (2014-2023). | Demonstrates world-class technical skill in complex valve preservation. |
STS Quality Rating | Three-Star Rating (Highest) for key procedures like Isolated Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR). | Outcomes are significantly better than expected based on national benchmarks. |
Mitral Valve Philosophy | Mitral Valve Repair is preferred for over 95% of eligible patients with mitral regurgitation. | Prioritizes repairing the native valve over replacement for better long-term survival and quality of life. |
Comprehensive Treatment Modalities
The Valve Center offers a full spectrum of surgical and non-surgical procedures, often being a primary site for clinical trials of new, innovative devices.
1. Surgical Valve Procedures
Cleveland Clinic specializes in traditional open surgery, as well as several minimally invasive approaches designed to reduce recovery time and trauma:
Mitral Valve Repair/Replacement: Utilizing robotically-assisted mitral valve surgery whenever appropriate to maximize the benefits of a minimally invasive approach.
Aortic Valve Repair/Replacement (SAVR): Extensive experience in surgical aortic valve replacement, often with mortality rates approaching 0% for isolated, elective procedures.
Complex Reoperations: Uniquely skilled in performing reoperations and procedures involving multiple valves simultaneously, which are often deemed too risky elsewhere.
Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement: A highly specialized procedure to treat aneurysms while preserving the patient’s own aortic valve.
2. Transcatheter Valve Procedures (Minimally Invasive)
For patients who are high-risk for open surgery, the institute is a pioneer in catheter-based interventions:
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR): A high-volume program, having been involved in the earliest feasibility trials for TAVR in the U.S.
Transcatheter Mitral/Tricuspid Interventions: Offering the latest in devices like MitraClip and other cutting-edge transcatheter treatments for all four valves (aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonic).
Cleveland Clinic's Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute is positioned as a destination center for heart valve treatment, attracting patients globally for its combination of surgical volume, commitment to research, and demonstrably excellent clinical outcomes.
Comprehensive Heart Valve Treatment at NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone Health in New York, New York, USA, is a nationally recognized leader in cardiac care, renowned for its advanced treatments for heart valve disease. The hospital's Heart Valve Center offers a complete spectrum of repair and replacement procedures, utilizing both traditional and state-of-the-art minimally invasive and transcatheter techniques.
The program is defined by a highly experienced, multidisciplinary team of cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists who collaborate to provide personalized, high-quality care. NYU Langone’s commitment to innovation and patient-centered care has resulted in some of the country’s best outcomes for heart valve procedures.
Program Highlights and Expertise
Leading-Edge Technology: NYU Langone is a high-volume center for advanced procedures, including Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) and transcatheter mitral valve repair using devices like the MitraClip®.
Minimally Invasive Pioneers: The institution's surgeons have been innovators in applying robotic and other minimally invasive techniques for complex valve repairs, which often translates to faster patient recovery, less pain, and shorter hospital stays.
Exceptional Outcomes: The program consistently reports survival rates and low complication rates that surpass national averages for many procedures, such as TAVR, where patients often leave the hospital after just one night.
Comprehensive Care: Expertise spans all four heart valves (aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonary), ensuring a tailored treatment approach for every patient's specific condition.
Summary of Heart Valve Repair/Replacement Treatments
The table below outlines the primary treatment options available at NYU Langone Health's Heart Valve Center for addressing damaged or diseased heart valves:
Treatment Type | Heart Valve(s) Treated | Procedure Details | Advantages (Focus at NYU Langone) |
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) | Aortic Valve | A new valve is delivered via a catheter (usually through a small incision in the groin) to replace the diseased valve without traditional open-heart surgery. | Very short hospital stay (often one night), quick mobilization and recovery, typically performed with conscious sedation. |
Transcatheter Mitral/Tricuspid Valve Repair (e.g., MitraClip®) | Mitral, Tricuspid Valves | A clip or similar device is delivered via catheter to help the valve leaflets close more effectively, reducing regurgitation (leakage). | Minimally invasive, often for high-risk patients who are not candidates for surgery. Rapid return to daily life. |
Robotic Mitral Valve Repair | Mitral Valve | Surgery performed using a sophisticated robotic system through a few small incisions, offering exceptional precision and visualization. | High success rate for repair (preferred over replacement), reduced trauma to the body, smaller scars, and a faster recovery than open surgery. |
Minimally Invasive Surgical Valve Replacement/Repair | Aortic, Mitral Valves | Traditional surgical techniques adapted to use smaller incisions on the chest (mini-thoracotomy or partial sternotomy), avoiding a full breastbone division. | Decreased pain and blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and quicker healing compared to traditional open surgery. |
Traditional Open Heart Surgery | Aortic, Mitral, Tricuspid Valves | Surgery requiring a full incision down the breastbone (sternotomy) to allow surgeons direct, comprehensive access to the heart. | Necessary for the most complex cases, patients with multiple cardiac issues, or when non-surgical options are unsuitable. Includes advanced options like valve-sparing aortic root replacement. |
In conclusion, NYU Langone Health represents a center of excellence for heart valve repair and replacement, offering patients in New York and beyond access to world-class cardiac expertise. By integrating high-volume experience, pioneering transcatheter therapies like TAVR and MitraClip, and advanced robotic surgical techniques, the Heart Valve Center ensures that every patient receives a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan designed for the best possible long-term outcome and quality of life. The combination of clinical leadership, innovative technology, and a dedicated multidisciplinary team solidifies NYU Langone’s reputation as a top-tier destination for complex heart valve care.
Excellence in Cardiac Valvular Care: The Massachusetts General Hospital Corrigan Minehan Heart Center
The Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Corrigan Minehan Heart Center is renowned for its comprehensive and cutting-edge approach to cardiovascular disease, with its dedicated Heart Valve Program standing out as a center of excellence. Addressing common and complex conditions affecting the heart's four valves (aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and pulmonic), the program brings together a multidisciplinary team of specialists to deliver personalized, world-class care, from diagnosis to long-term management.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Complex Care
A hallmark of the MGH Corrigan Minehan Heart Center's care model is its collaborative, multidisciplinary approach. The Heart Valve Program integrates the expertise of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, interventional cardiologists, imaging specialists, and cardiac anesthesiologists. This team works in concert to evaluate each patient's specific condition, ensuring a swift and efficient determination of the most appropriate treatment, whether it involves medical management, a minimally invasive procedure, or traditional surgery.
State-of-the-Art Treatment Modalities
The program is at the forefront of innovation, offering the full spectrum of advanced treatment options for valve disease. This includes pioneering catheter-based procedures—such as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)—which offer less invasive alternatives to traditional open-heart surgery, often resulting in quicker recovery times. For complex surgical cases, the center's cardiac surgeons are highly experienced in both conventional open procedures and advanced minimally invasive techniques, including valve repair (preferred when possible) and replacement. Furthermore, Mass General's active involvement in clinical trials provides patients with access to the latest therapies and devices before they are widely available.
Key Services and Treatment Options in the Heart Valve Program
The table below outlines some of the core components and treatments offered by the Massachusetts General Hospital Corrigan Minehan Heart Center's Heart Valve Program.
Heart Valve Condition | Common Treatment Modalities Offered | Key Features of the Program |
Aortic Stenosis (AS) | Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR), Ross Procedure, Clinical Trials. | Advanced catheter-based therapies; Expertise in high-risk surgical cases; Multidisciplinary TAVR team. |
Aortic Regurgitation (AR) | Aortic Valve Replacement, Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement, Alternatives to valve replacement (e.g., Ozaki procedure). | Focus on valve preservation when feasible; Comprehensive Thoracic Aortic Center collaboration for complex root issues. |
Mitral Regurgitation (MR) | Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair, Mitral Valve Replacement, Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty, Transcatheter Mitral Valve Therapies (e.g., MitraClip, clinical trials). | Emphasis on mitral valve repair over replacement; Leading-edge transcatheter repair and replacement options. |
Tricuspid and Pulmonic Disease | Tricuspid Valve Repair/Replacement, Transcatheter Pulmonic Valve Replacement, Surgical Pulmonic Valve Replacement. | Specialized care often linked with the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program; Developing transcatheter therapies for the tricuspid valve. |
Commitment to Research and Long-Term Wellness
Beyond clinical treatment, the Corrigan Minehan Heart Center is deeply committed to advancing the field of cardiovascular medicine through robust research. The discoveries made by its physician-scientists directly influence treatment protocols, ensuring patients receive care informed by the latest breakthroughs.
For patients and referring physicians alike, the Heart Valve Program at MGH offers a seamless, coordinated experience. By collecting and reviewing all records prior to a visit, the team is often able to consolidate necessary tests and consultations, making the evaluation process as convenient as possible. This dedication to excellence in clinical care, innovation, and patient-centered service cements the Massachusetts General Hospital Corrigan Minehan Heart Center as a global leader in cardiac valvular care.
Heart Valve Repair and Replacement at the Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
The Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center stands as a global leader in the comprehensive treatment of heart valve disease. The Institute is built on a foundation of relentless innovation and a collaborative, patient-centric philosophy, offering highly specialized care that often defines the state-of-the-art in valvular therapy.
The core principle guiding treatment is the commitment to repair over replacement, particularly for the complex mitral valve. Repair, when technically feasible, is favored for its long-term benefits in preserving natural heart function and eliminating the need for permanent blood-thinning medication. When valve replacement is required, the multidisciplinary Heart Team tailors the selection from an exhaustive array of prosthetic options to best suit the individual patient’s physiology and lifestyle.
The Smidt Heart Institute's Distinctive Valvular Expertise
The Institute’s preeminence in heart valve treatment is defined by its ability to execute high-volume, complex procedures with exceptional results, driven by continuous integration of cutting-edge research into clinical practice.
Area of Specialization | Defining Features and Advanced Techniques |
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) | National Leader in Volume: Performs one of the highest numbers of TAVR procedures in the nation, translating to unparalleled expertise for all risk levels. Complex TAVR Innovation: Pioneers the use of TAVR for challenging anatomies like bicuspid aortic valves and is a leading center for sophisticated "Valve-in-Valve" procedures to treat failed prior surgical valves. |
Robotic Mitral Valve Surgery | Benchmark for Repair: Maintains a near-perfect repair rate for degenerative mitral valve regurgitation using advanced robotic-assisted techniques. This minimally invasive approach drastically reduces surgical trauma, leading to shorter hospital stays, less pain, and a rapid return to daily life. |
Pioneering Tricuspid Valve Intervention | First-in-Field Experience: Among the select few institutions worldwide pioneering catheter-based treatment for tricuspid valve disease, including Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement (TTVR) and repair. Offers viable options for high-risk patients previously deemed ineligible for surgery. |
Transcatheter Mitral Interventions | Comprehensive Non-Surgical Options: A high-volume provider of Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (e.g., using clipping devices) for select patients with mitral regurgitation who benefit from a less invasive approach. Actively involved in clinical trials for emerging transcatheter mitral replacement systems. |
Customized Valve Replacement | Offers a full spectrum of surgical replacement options: Mechanical Valves for durability, Bioprosthetic (Tissue) Valves to avoid anticoagulation, and the specialized Ross Procedure (using the patient's own pulmonic valve for aortic replacement) for select younger patients. |
The Collaborative Heart Team | Every case is evaluated by a dedicated team of cardiac surgeons, interventional cardiologists, and imaging specialists. This unified, collaborative decision-making process ensures that each patient receives a treatment plan that is precisely tailored and represents the safest, most durable option. |
For patients facing the complexities of heart valve disease, the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai provides a singular destination where world-class surgical precision meets interventional innovation. By consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible—from high-volume robotic repairs to pioneering transcatheter therapies for all four valves—the Institute ensures that individuals, even those with the most challenging conditions, receive not only comprehensive treatment but also a customized path toward restored cardiac health and an enhanced quality of life. The commitment here is to define the future of valve care, one patient at a time.
Latest Technological Advancements in Heart Valve Repair and Replacement
The treatment of heart valve disease has been fundamentally revolutionized, transitioning from predominantly open-heart surgery to a new paradigm defined by highly precise, minimally invasive technologies. These cutting-edge techniques offer patients dramatically reduced recovery times, lower procedural risks, and an improved prognosis, extending life-saving options to individuals previously considered untreatable.
The most significant contemporary shift involves the development of sophisticated transcatheter devices and the enhanced application of robotic surgery, moving from therapies reserved for the highest-risk patients to a less-invasive standard of care across a broader population.
Next-Generation Heart Valve Technologies
The current frontier in valvular therapy focuses on addressing all four heart valves through minimally invasive routes, leveraging advanced imaging and specialized surgical platforms for unparalleled precision.
Technological Advancement | Description of Innovation | Clinical Impact on Patients |
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Evolution | Continuous refinement of prosthetic valve designs, featuring self-expanding and balloon-expandable valves with enhanced sealing mechanisms. Procedures are now frequently performed with minimal sedation and allow for same-day or next-day patient discharge. | The established benchmark for high-risk aortic stenosis, TAVR is now routinely utilized for intermediate and low-risk patients, completely avoiding the trauma of open-chest surgery. |
Pioneering Tricuspid Valve Interventions (TTVR / T-TEER) | The emergence of specialized transcatheter devices for the tricuspid valve, encompassing both Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement (TTVR) and Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (T-TEER). | Provides effective, non-surgical treatment for patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation (leakage) who historically faced extremely high risks from traditional open surgery. |
Robotic-Assisted Mitral Valve Surgery | Utilizes advanced robotic systems to perform complex mitral valve repair or replacement via tiny incisions between the ribs (totally endoscopic approach). The system provides superior magnified visualization, enhanced instrument articulation, and tremor filtering. | Achieves excellent repair durability while eliminating the need to divide the breastbone (sternotomy), leading to minimal pain, reduced scarring, and ultra-fast recovery. |
Advanced Transcatheter Mitral Therapies | The development of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement (TMVR) systems and iterative improvements to repair devices (such as new clipping and annular reduction technologies) delivered through a catheter. | Offers minimally invasive repair and replacement alternatives for high-risk patients with complex mitral regurgitation, managing challenging anatomy without extensive surgery. |
3D Modeling and Fusion Imaging | Integration of high-resolution diagnostic data (CT, 3D Echo) with live fluoroscopy to create real-time, fused imaging guidance during procedures. Patient-specific, 3D-printed heart models are used for pre-procedural planning and device sizing. | Significantly enhances procedural accuracy and safety by allowing the heart team to anticipate anatomical challenges and optimize device fit before the intervention. |
Bioprosthetic Valve Durability | Introduction of advanced anti-calcification treatments for tissue valves (e.g., specific preservation technologies). Designs are optimized to facilitate future "Valve-in-Valve" procedures. | Focuses on extending the functional life of replacement valves and ensuring that future interventions, when necessary, can be performed safely via a less invasive transcatheter approach. |
Conclusion
The trajectory of modern heart valve therapy is firmly set toward a Personalized and Hybrid treatment model. Expert Heart Teams routinely integrate the benefits of specialized surgery with catheter-based techniques—for instance, a robotic coronary artery bypass combined with a transcatheter valve procedure—to address multiple cardiac issues simultaneously. This sophisticated, technology-driven integration is fundamentally reshaping prognosis, maximizing valve durability, and rapidly enabling patients to return to a high quality of life.