Aortic valve surgery - open (patient information)
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Aortic valve surgery - open |
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Aortic valve surgery - open On the Web |
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Directions to Hospitals Performing Aortic valve surgery (open) |
For the WikiDoc page for Aortic regurgitation surgery, click here; For the WikiDoc page for Aortic stenosis surgery, clickhere
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-in-Chief: Mohammed A. Sbeih, M.D. [2]
Overview
Aortic valve surgery is done to replace the aortic valve in your heart.
Blood flows out of your heart and into the aorta through a valve. This valve is called the aortic valve. It opens up so blood can flow out. It then closes, keeping blood from flowing backwards.
- An aortic valve that does not close all the way allows blood to leak back into your heart. This is called aortic regurgitation.
- An aortic valve that does not open fully will restrict blood flow. This is called aortic stenosis.
In open surgery, the surgeon makes a large cut in your breastbone to reach the heart and aorta.
How is Aortic valve surgery (open) done?
Who needs Aortic valve surgery (open)?
Where to find centers that perform Aortic valve surgery (open)?
Directions to Hospitals Performing Aortic valve surgery - open
What are the risks of Aortic valve surgery (open)?
Risks for any surgery are:
- Blood clots in the legs that may travel to the lungs.
- Blood loss.
- Breathing problems.
- Infection, including in the lungs, kidneys, bladder, chest, or heart valves.
- Reactions to medicines.
Possible risks from having open-heart surgery are:
- Heart attack or stroke.
- Heart rhythm problems.
- Infection in the cut, which is more likely to happen in people who are obese, have diabetes, or have already had this surgery.
- Memory loss and loss of mental clarity, or "fuzzy thinking."
- Post-pericardiotomy syndrome, which is a low-grade fever and chest pain. This could last for up to 6 months.
What to expect before Aortic valve surgery (open)?
What to expect after Aortic valve surgery (open)?
Results
Mechanical heart valves do not fail often. They last from 12 to 20 years. However, blood clots develop on them. If a blood clot forms, you may have a stroke. Bleeding can occur, but this is rare.
Biological valves tend to fail over time. But they have a lower risk of blood clots.