Summary: | People with heart valve disease, particularly aortic and mitral valve disease, can experience heart failure symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue as the heart works harder to pump blood through the body. Untreated, this condition can lead to heart failure and the inability to perform activities of daily life. Multiple surgical procedures for valve replacement or repair exist. Open heart procedures have traditionally been the gold standard of care for heart valve disease. However for patients who are at high risk of complications or death due to open heart surgery, minimally invasive techniques are an emerging alterative option. The purpose of this report is to describe how people with heart valve disease and those who treat them understand and experience treatment and care, including open and minimally invasive surgical techniques
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