Scientific Sessions

Valvular heart disease (VHD) encompasses a range of disorders affecting one or more of the heart’s four valves—mitral, aortic, tricuspid, and pulmonary—leading to either stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage). These abnormalities disrupt normal blood flow, increasing cardiac workload and potentially leading to heart failure or arrhythmias. The most common causes include degenerative changes, rheumatic heart disease, congenital malformations, and infective endocarditis. Advances in diagnostic modalities such as three-dimensional echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and CT angiography have greatly improved the accuracy of assessing valve anatomy, function, and severity of lesions. Early detection through these imaging techniques enables timely intervention and better risk stratification for patients with valvular dysfunction.

Modern management of valvular heart disease has evolved from traditional open-heart surgery to less invasive and patient-specific therapies. Minimally invasive valve repair and replacement procedures—such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR)—have revolutionized care, particularly for elderly or high-risk surgical candidates. Advances in prosthetic valve design, including durable bioprosthetic and mechanical valves, ensure longer life spans and improved hemodynamic performance. Pharmacological management, including anticoagulation and afterload reduction, remains crucial in optimizing postoperative outcomes. Additionally, ongoing research into tissue-engineered valves and personalized computational modeling promises even more precise treatment strategies in the future. The integration of advanced imaging, innovative devices, and multidisciplinary care has transformed the prognosis of valvular heart disease, offering patients safer procedures, faster recovery, and improved quality of life.