Definition
Valvotomy is a surgical procedure to repair or widen a narrowed heart valve. Think of it as unclogging a pipe to allow better blood flow π«. It aims to improve valve function, allowing the heart to pump blood more efficiently. Unlike valve replacement, valvotomy attempts to preserve the patient's natural valve. The procedure can be performed through open-heart surgery or a minimally invasive approach. It can dramatically improve the patient's quality of life.