Common Aortic Valve Diseases Requiring Replacement Or Repair Surgery!
What Is Aortic Valve?
It is a heart valve. This controls the blood flow from the heart to the aorta, which is the main artery carrying blood to the body. When the heart undergoes contraction, this valve opens up to allow blood to flow from the heart to the aorta. Then, upon heart’s relaxation, this valve closes in order to prevent back flow of the blood towards the heart. The valve damages when the leaflets that open & close the valve become stiff and don’t function properly. Such a damage needs immediate attention by a cardiologist. On seeing your condition, he may recommend surgery in order to repair or replace the aortic valve.
Common Aortic Valve Diseases Requiring Replacement Or Repair Surgery!
There are four main types, as follows:
- Aortic Stenosis: Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of this valve. It can lead to a decrease in blood flow to the body.
- Aortic Insufficiency: Aortic insufficiency is a leakage of this valve. It can cause an increase in blood pressure.
- Aortic Regurgitation: Aortic regurgitation is a condition in which there is backward flow of blood noticed through the aortic valve.
- Aortic Aneurysms: Aortic aneurysms refer to an enlargement of the aortic valve.
- Congenital Defect: A defect in the aortic valve with which the patient is born.
How Is the Surgery Is Done?
The patients who do not show great improvement with either medication therapy and/or other conservative measures can go for it. It is a procedure to repair or replace the damaged valve with a new one. Surgeons do this surgery by making a cut in the chest and opening the rib cage to access the heart. Afterwards, the surgeon replaces the damaged valve with a new one. The surgery usually takes about 3-4 hours to complete. After the surgery, doctors closely monitor the patient for any postoperative complications. The recovery time from the surgery is usually 4-6 weeks.
Risks Involved
This surgery is a major operation that carries a number of risks. These risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, failure of the valve, and heart rhythm problems. Stroke happens to be the most serious complication. This can occur if the blood flow interrupts while going to the brain. There is a small risk of death with this valve replacement surgery. So, you need the safest pair of hands to get this type of surgery. The outcome of the surgery largely depends on the skills & expertise of the surgeon.
Dr. Arun Is a Board-Certified Interventional Cardiologist
If you too are struggling with heart problems and you are diagnosed with a damaged aortic valve, consult Dr. Arun. He has great experience and expertise with this type of procedure. He delivers the best cardiac care to his patients holding tremendous success rates with all types of minimally-invasive cardiac procedures.
