Aortic valve repair and aortic valve replacement

Aortic valve repair and aortic valve replacement are types of heart valve surgery. They are done to treat a damaged or diseased aortic valve. The aortic valve is one of four valves that control blood flow in the heart. It is between the lower left heart chamber and the body's main artery, called the aorta.

Aortic valve repair and aortic valve replacement are done to treat aortic valve disease. Types of aortic valve disease that may need valve repair or replacement include: Aortic valve regurgitation. The aortic valve doesn't close properly, causing blood to flow backward into the left lower heart chamber. Any condition that damages the aortic valve can cause regurgitation. Sometimes, a baby is born with an irregularly shaped aortic valve that leads to regurgitation. Aortic valve stenosis. The aortic valve flaps, called cusps, become thick and stiff, or they connect together. The valve becomes narrowed or doesn't open fully. This reduces or blocks blood flow. Aortic valve stenosis may be caused by a heart condition present at birth or by some infections that affect the heart valve. Other aortic valve problems present at birth, called congenital heart defects. Some babies may be born with an aortic valve that's missing a valve opening or that has two valve cusps instead of three. A congenital heart defect also can cause the valve to be the wrong size or shape. You might need aortic valve surgery if your valve disease affects your heart's ability to pump blood. If you don't have symptoms or if your condition is mild, your healthcare team might suggest regular health checkups, lifestyle changes and medicines. But most aortic valve conditions eventually need surgery to reduce symptoms and lower the risk of complications such as heart failure. The decision to repair or replace a damaged aortic valve depends on many things, including: The severity of aortic valve disease, also called the stage of disease. Age and overall health. Whether surgery is needed to correct another valve or heart condition. In general, surgeons recommend valve repair when possible. It lowers the risk of infection, saves the heart valve and may help the heart work better. The best option depends on the specific aortic valve disease, as well as the expertise and experience of the healthcare team. What type of valve surgery you have depends on your individual situation. For example, some people with aortic valve disease may not be candidates for traditional open-heart surgery due to other health problems, such as lung or kidney disease, that would make the procedure too risky. Your healthcare team explains the benefits and risks of each option.

All surgeries have risks. Risks of aortic valve repair and replacement depend on many things, including: Your overall health. The specific type of valve surgery. The expertise of the surgeons and other healthcare professionals. To reduce potential risks, aortic valve surgery should generally be done at a center with a multidisciplinary heart team that is experienced in such procedures and does many aortic valve surgeries. Possible risks of aortic valve repair and aortic valve replacement surgery may include: Bleeding. Blood clots. Problem or failure of a replacement valve. Irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias. Infection. Stroke.

Before surgery to have your aortic valve repaired or replaced, your healthcare team explains to you what to expect before, during and after the surgery and the potential risks of the surgery. Before being admitted to the hospital for your heart valve surgery, talk to your caregivers about your upcoming hospital stay. Discuss any help you may need when you return home. Don't hesitate to ask your care providers any questions you may have about the procedure.