Annuloplasty

Annuloplasty is a heart valve repair procedure in which the valve annulus—the fibrous ring that supports the valve—is reshaped or reinforced, often with a ring or band. It is commonly used when a valve leaks because the annulus has stretched or lost its normal geometry. ^[1][2]

The procedure is most frequently associated with the mitral and tricuspid valves, although the exact surgical plan depends on the underlying valve abnormality. The central idea is to preserve the person’s own valve whenever feasible rather than immediately replacing it. ^[1][4]

What exactly is annuloplasty intended to do?

The purpose of annuloplasty is to restore more normal valve function by reducing annular dilation and improving leaflet coaptation. When the annulus becomes enlarged, the valve leaflets may no longer close effectively, which can cause regurgitation. Supporting the annulus may help the valve close better and reduce leakage. ^[1][4][5]

In practice, annuloplasty is often part of a broader valve repair procedure rather than a completely separate operation. Surgeons may combine it with leaflet repair or other structural corrections depending on the valve problem. ^[1][5]

Is annuloplasty the same as valvuloplasty?

No. Although the terms sound similar, they refer to different concepts. Annuloplasty focuses on the valve ring, whereas valvuloplasty usually refers to widening or opening a narrowed valve, often by balloon techniques or other interventions depending on the setting. ^[1][4]

Understanding that distinction matters because patients sometimes hear both words and assume they describe the same treatment. They do not. The goals, mechanisms, and indications differ. ^[1][4]

Who may be a candidate?

Annuloplasty may be considered when the valve structure is suitable for repair and when repairing the native valve is expected to be durable. Suitability depends on which valve is affected, why it is leaking, overall heart function, surgical risk, and other anatomical findings on echocardiography and related imaging. ^[2][3][5]

Not every case of valve regurgitation is best treated with annuloplasty. In some patients, valve replacement may be more appropriate because of severe structural damage, calcification, or other features that make repair less reliable. ^[2][4]

Recovery and risks

Recovery depends on the surgical approach, the patient’s overall condition, and whether other cardiac procedures are performed at the same time. Some centers use minimally invasive approaches in selected patients, whereas others perform the repair as part of conventional cardiac surgery. ^[1][3][5]

Risks may include bleeding, infection, arrhythmia, recurrent leakage, and the general risks of heart surgery. Long-term follow-up is important because even a successful repair needs surveillance over time. ^[2][6][7]