What is Aortic Valve Replacement?

Aortic valve repair and replacement are operations used to address disorders of the aortic valve, which is one of four valves that regulate blood flow through the heart.

The aortic valve keeps blood flowing through the heart in the right direction. It connects the main pumping chamber of the heart (left ventricle) to the major artery that carries oxygen-rich blood throughout your body (aorta).

The aortic valve opens with each ventricular contraction, allowing blood to flow from the left ventricle into the aorta. The aortic valve closes when the ventricle relaxes, preventing blood from flowing backward into the ventricle. When the aortic valve isn’t functioning properly, it can obstruct blood flow and make the heart work harder to pump blood to the rest of the body. Aortic valve repair or replacement can help treat aortic valve disease by restoring normal blood flow, reducing symptoms, prolonging life, and preserving heart muscle function. Surgery for aortic valve disease is associated with the severity of your condition, whether you have signs and symptoms, and whether your condition is worsening. Aortic Valve Repair or Replacement is advised when:

• The valve is leaky (aortic insufficiency, also known as aortic regurgitation)
• The valve is narrowed and doesn’t open fully (aortic stenosis)

The aortic is the most commonly replaced valve. The replaced valves can be made either of tissues from animals or humans and mechanical valves made of man-made material.

• Tissue valve where an animal or human donor is used
• Mechanical valve is made of durable materials

When is Aortic Valve Replacement Required?

The Valve Replacement surgery is indicated in the following conditions:

Congenital Heart Valve Diseases such as narrow or leaking valves, and bicuspid aortic valves. Acquired Heart Valve Diseases such as Calcification of the valves, Infection such as Infective endocarditis or Syphilis, Rheumatic valve disease, Angina, tumors of the valve, Hypertension, enlarged heart muscles known as Cardiomyopathy, increased opening of the annulus of the valve and Aortic aneurysm to name a few.

What is the Recovery After Aortic Valve Replacement Like?

Aortic valve replacement surgery has an exceptional outcome and gives extremely satisfying results. The majority of patients who undergo the procedure return to normal activities after the operation. Their quality of life also improves because they no longer have difficulty breathing, fainting spells, or palpitations.