Results

After pulmonary valve repair or pulmonary valve replacement surgery, you may eventually be able to return to daily activities, such as working, driving and exercise.

You'll need to take certain medications and attend regular follow-up appointments with your doctor. You may have several tests to evaluate and monitor your condition.

Your doctor and health care team may instruct you to incorporate healthy lifestyle changes — such as physical activity, a healthy diet, stress management and avoiding tobacco use — into your life to reduce the risk of future complications and promote a healthy heart.

Your doctor may recommend that you participate in cardiac rehabilitation — a program of education and exercise designed to help you improve your health and help you recover after heart surgery.

The success and safety of minimally invasive pulmonary valve replacement depends largely on the skill and expertise of your doctor and medical center. When performed by experienced doctors and centers, the results of minimally invasive pulmonary valve replacement can be similar to those of traditional open-heart surgery. But the long-term results of some of these procedures are not yet known.