Our knowledge of the results of valve replacement surgery only dates
back to the 1960s when valve surgery began. It must be said that there is no
perfect artificial heart valve. However, the long-term results are excellent.
Only a minority of patients (around 20% to 25%) will require reoperation
within 10 to 12 years of the valve replacement procedure. Where
reoperation is necessary due to failure or complications related to the
artificial heart valve, a repeat valve replacement procedure can then be
carried out.