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Things to Know About Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery

Common Aortic Valve Diseases Requiring Replacement Or Repair Surgery!

How Is the Surgery Is Done?

Risks Involved

What Is Aortic Valve?

It is a heart valve that controls the blood flow from the heart. Understanding the aortic valve location is essential for diagnosing and treating heart conditions. When the heart undergoes contraction, the aortic valve opens to permit blood flow from the heart into the aorta, the main artery that supplies blood to the body. Upon the heart’s relaxation, this heart valve regulates blood flow into the aorta, which may necessitate aorta replacement surgery if compromised. Aortic valve repair vs replacement becomes a critical decision when the valve’s leaflets no longer function properly. Such damage requires immediate attention from a cardiologist. If medication and other treatments fail, aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery may be the next step, especially if the damage is severe.

Common Aortic Valve Diseases Requiring Replacement Or Repair Surgery

There are four main types, as follows:

  • Aortic Stenosis: A narrowing of this valve, requiring valve change in heart surgery when the aortic valve fails to function effectively. This condition can lead to a decrease in blood flow to the body.
  • Aortic Insufficiency: A leakage of this valve, causing an increase in blood pressure.
  • Aortic Regurgitation: A condition where there is backward blood flow through the aortic valve.
  • Aortic Aneurysms: An enlargement of the aortic valve.
  • Congenital Defect: A defect in the aortic valve present at birth.

How Is the Surgery Done?

Patients who do not show significant improvement with medication therapy or other conservative measures may opt for surgery. This procedure involves repairing or replacing the damaged valve with a new one. Open heart surgery for valve replacement requires accessing the heart through a chest incision. The AVR operation typically lasts 3-4 hours, during which the damaged valve is replaced with a new one. The recovery after aortic valve surgery is usually monitored closely, taking about 4-6 weeks to heal.

Risks Involved

Heart valve replacement scar is a common result of this major surgery, necessary to restore heart function. The risks of aortic valve replacement surgery include bleeding, infection, blood clots, valve failure, and heart rhythm problems. Stroke is the most serious complication that can occur if blood flow is interrupted to the brain. There is a small risk of death, but when a heart valve is damaged, a replaced heart valve can restore proper blood flow. The outcome of the surgery largely depends on the skills and expertise of the surgeon.

Dr. Arun Is a Board-Certified Interventional Cardiologist in Abu Dhabi

If you are struggling with heart problems and are diagnosed with a damaged aortic valve, consult Dr. Arun, who specializes in aortic heart valve replacement. He provides exceptional care to patients with heart valve issues, ensuring a thorough discussion about aortic valve repair vs replacement to help you make informed decisions. Dr. Arun delivers the best cardiac care doctor in Abu Dhabi, holding tremendous success rates with all types of minimally invasive cardiac procedures.