Aortic valve replacement

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  Diagram of the human heart

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  Aortic valve replacement

Aortic Valve Replacement

Aortic valve replacement is a surgical procedure in which a patient's aortic valve is replaced with an artificial valve. The aortic valve is one of the four main heart valves and is responsible for regulating blood flow from the left ventricle of the heart into the aorta, the main artery that carries blood to the rest of the body.

Indications

Aortic valve replacement is typically indicated for patients with severe aortic stenosis or aortic regurgitation. Aortic stenosis is a condition where the valve becomes narrowed, restricting blood flow, while aortic regurgitation occurs when the valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward into the heart.

Types of Replacement Valves

There are two main types of replacement valves used in aortic valve replacement:

• Mechanical valves: These are made from durable materials such as titanium or carbon. They are long-lasting but require patients to take lifelong anticoagulant medication to prevent blood clots.

• Bioprosthetic valves: These are made from animal tissue, such as pig or cow tissue, or from human tissue. They tend to wear out faster than mechanical valves but do not usually require long-term anticoagulation.

Surgical Techniques

Aortic valve replacement can be performed using different surgical techniques:

• Open-heart surgery: This traditional method involves making a large incision in the chest and temporarily stopping the heart to replace the valve.

• Minimally invasive surgery: This approach uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments to replace the valve, potentially reducing recovery time.

• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR): This is a less invasive procedure where the new valve is inserted via a catheter through a blood vessel, often in the leg, and guided to the heart.

Recovery and Prognosis

Recovery from aortic valve replacement varies depending on the type of surgery performed. Patients who undergo open-heart surgery may require several weeks to recover, while those who have minimally invasive surgery or TAVR may recover more quickly.

The prognosis after aortic valve replacement is generally good, with most patients experiencing significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life. However, regular follow-up with a cardiologist is necessary to monitor heart function and valve performance.

Complications

Potential complications of aortic valve replacement include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Valve dysfunction or failure
• Stroke

Related Pages

• Heart valve disease
• Cardiac surgery
• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement
• Anticoagulant

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