Heart Valve Surgery in New Jersey
At Hackensack Meridian Health, our expert cardiac surgeons perform advanced valve repair and replacement procedures to restore heart function and improve quality of life. Whether you need a minimally invasive procedure (like TAVR) or open-heart surgery, our team is nationally recognized for delivering excellent outcomes close to home.
What Is Valve Surgery?
Your heart has four valves — aortic, mitral, pulmonary and tricuspid — that help blood flow in the right direction. When a valve doesn’t open or close properly, your heart must work harder to pump blood, which can lead to symptoms like:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fatigue or weakness
- Irregular heartbeat
Valve surgery is performed to repair or replace valves that no longer function properly. Our team offers both minimally invasive and traditional surgical approaches, tailoring treatment to your unique needs. Schedule an appointment to learn more about your options.
If you experience sudden chest pain, shortness of breath or dizziness, call 911 immediately or visit the closest emergency department.
Who Is a Candidate for Valve Surgery?
You may need valve surgery if:
- Your symptoms are not relieved by medications or other nonsurgical treatments
- Your heart valve is severely narrowed (stenosis) or leaky (regurgitation)
- Tests such as echocardiograms show your heart is under stress
Only a structural heart specialist can determine if valve surgery is right for you. If you have a referral to a structural heart specialist, use our online tool to find a doctor near you. If you’re interested in learning more about valve surgery but don’t have a structural heart specialist referral, make an appointment with a cardiologist to discuss your options.
Types of Valve Surgery We Offer
Our nationally recognized heart surgery teams perform a wide range of valve procedures, including:
- Aortic valve repair or replacement: For patients with aortic stenosis or regurgitation
- Mitral valve repair or replacement (including MitraClip): To treat mitral valve regurgitation or stenosis
- Tricuspid valve repair or replacement: For tricuspid regurgitation or congenital issues
- Pulmonary valve surgery: For patients with congenital heart disease
- Minimally invasive valve surgery (including TAVR): Uses small incisions for faster recovery and reduced risk
- Combined valve and coronary/atrial fibrillation surgery: For patients with multiple heart issues
Valve Surgery vs. TAVR
Some patients with severe aortic stenosis may qualify for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), an alternative to open-heart surgery. TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure typically used for patients who are not good candidates for traditional surgery. Your heart team will carefully review your condition and recommend the safest, most effective option.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a valve or structural heart problem, start with a cardiologist. They can refer you to a structural heart specialist for further testing. From there, a multidisciplinary heart care team can determine whether TAVR or another treatment is right for you.
Already have a referral for a structural heart specialist? Use our online tool to find a doctor.
What to Expect After Surgery
Recovery times depend on the type of surgery performed. Minimally invasive procedures often mean shorter hospital stays, while open-heart surgery may require longer recovery and cardiac rehabilitation.
Our team provides personalized follow-up care, including:
- Regular monitoring and imaging to check valve function
- Medications, if needed, to support recovery
Referrals to cardiac rehabilitation for exercise and lifestyle support
Frequently Asked Questions
Your eligibility for valve surgery or TAVR depends on your diagnosis, symptoms and overall health. Make an appointment with your cardiologist or structural heart specialist to talk about your treatment options.
Recovery varies by procedure. Many patients return to normal activities within weeks after minimally invasive surgery. Open-heart surgery may take several months, often supported by cardiac rehabilitation.
The main difference lies in the surgical approach. Traditional valve surgery is typically an open-heart procedure where the surgeon makes a large incision in the chest to access and replace the valve.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), on the other hand, is a minimally invasive procedure. Instead of opening the chest, a new valve is delivered to the heart through a thin tube called a catheter, which is usually inserted into a blood vessel in the groin or chest. TAVR generally involves a shorter recovery time compared to open-heart surgery. It was initially an option for patients considered too high-risk for traditional surgery, but its use has expanded.
Take the Next Step
If you’ve been told you may need valve surgery or you’re experiencing symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue or chest pain, don’t wait. Our experts are here to evaluate your condition and guide you toward the best treatment.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a valve or structural heart problem, start with a cardiologist. They can refer you to a structural heart specialist or for further testing. From there, a multidisciplinary heart care team can determine whether TAVR or another treatment is right for you.
Already have a referral for a structural heart specialist? Use our online tool to find a doctor.
Why Choose Hackensack Meridian Health for Your Care
Hackensack University Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center were named High Performing hospitals in procedures and conditions for Aortic Valve Surgery by U.S. News & World Report in 2025-2026. Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Hackensack University Medical Center received 3-Star awards for valve procedures from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Hackensack University Medical Center have earned 3-star ratings from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons for the quality of Mitral Valve Replacement or Repair and Aortic Valve Replacement (Hackensack) and Aortic Valve Replacement combined with CABG (Jersey Shore).
Hackensack University Medical Center is one of the few hospitals in the nation to use MitraClip pairing with fusion imaging, a revolutionary approach to treating people with severely advanced heart failure.
Cardiac experts at Jersey Shore University Medical Center are experienced leaders in using MitraClip, having performed more procedures in 2021 than any other hospital in New York and New Jersey.
