Aortic valve replacement

Aortic valve replacement is a procedure in which a patient's failing aortic valve is replaced with an artificial heart valve. This procedure is typically performed to treat aortic valve disease, which can be caused by either aortic valve stenosis or aortic valve regurgitation.

Indications

Aortic valve replacement is indicated in patients with severe aortic stenosis or aortic regurgitation when they begin to experience symptoms, which can include shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting spells. It may also be indicated in patients with severe disease who are asymptomatic if their tests show that the left ventricle is beginning to fail or if they are undergoing another heart surgery.

Procedure

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the chest and the heart is stopped for a time so that the surgeon can repair or replace the aortic valve. The patient is connected to a heart-lung machine which takes over the function of the heart and lungs during the procedure. The surgeon then removes the damaged valve and replaces it with a new one.

There are two types of valves that can be used for replacement: mechanical valves, which are usually made of metal, and biological valves, which are made from animal tissue. The type of valve that is used depends on the patient's age, overall health, and personal preference.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with aortic valve replacement. These can include infection, bleeding, and reaction to anesthesia. Specific risks related to aortic valve replacement include blood clots forming on the new valve which can increase the risk of having a stroke. If a mechanical valve is used, the patient will need to take blood-thinning medication for the rest of their life to prevent clots from forming.

Recovery

Recovery from aortic valve replacement surgery can take several weeks or months. The patient will need to rest and avoid strenuous activity for a time. They will also need to attend regular follow-up appointments with their doctor to monitor their recovery and the function of their new valve.

See Also

• Heart valve
• Aortic valve stenosis
• Aortic valve regurgitation
• Heart surgery

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