you can do a basic repair with a hot air gun, or in an oven, but even if you get it working again it will stay a weak spot. I have done some with a hot air gun, and they still work, except for one. I made the mistake of playing a simple game, and it quit working within minutes. I did a second repair, but it had problems some weeks later.
Under normal operation, it can last quite some time, but you have to keep it cool (no heavy 3D work or games), and do not restrict the cooling fans.