Heart Valve Surgery can be done either by a conventional route or by a minimally invasive route. Dr S K Sinha, who is Director Cardiac Science, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon & Bihar, specializes in doing valve surgeries by minimally invasive route. Here instead of a mid line sternum splitting incision a small incision on the right chest beneath the breast is made and with the help of specialized instruments valve is repaired or replaced. Minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgery has its advantage in the form of small incision, faster recovery less pain, minimal blood loss. As the scar is beneath the breast in females it is a widely accepted for its cosmetic value. TYPES OF VALVES: A frequently asked question which a patient asks is what type of valve will be good for me. Prosthetic (Artificial) heart valves is broadly classified into two types: Mechanical Bioprosthetic Mechanical Valve: Mechanical Valves are valves which are made of Pyrolite carbon(one of the strongest material known to mankind). It is used in younger patients, will last a lifetime. However it is important that patients take Warfarin or Acitrome lifelong. Below 50 years of age this is valve of choice. Exception being female patients who want to undergo pregnancy. Bioprosthetics or biological valves are made up of biological tissue (Pericardium), best suited for patients above 50years of age. Warfarin/Acetrome is not needed. This valve is supposed to last 20-25 years hence not recommended in patients below 50 years of age.