Aortic valve repair and aortic valve replacement are procedures that treat diseases affecting the aortic valve, one of four valves that control blood flow through the heart.The aortic valve helps keep blood flowing in the correct direction through the heart.It separates the
Aortic valve repair and aortic valve replacement are procedures that treat diseases affecting the aortic valve, one of four valves that control blood flow through the heart.The aortic valve helps keep blood flowing in the correct direction through the heart.It separates the heart’s main pumping chamber (left ventricle) and the main artery that supplies oxygen-rich blood to your body (aorta).With each contraction of the ventricle, the aortic valve opens and allows blood to flow from the left ventricle into the aorta.When the ventricle relaxes, the aortic valve closes to prevent blood from flowing backward into the ventricle.When the aortic valve isn’t working properly, it can interfere with blood flow and force the heart to work harder to send blood to the rest of your body.Aortic valve repair or aortic valve replacement can treat aortic valve disease and help restore normal blood flow, reduce symptoms, prolong life and help preserve the function of your heart muscle.Aortic valve disease treatment depends on the severity of your condition, whether you’re experiencing signs and symptoms, and if your condition is getting worse.
Types of aortic valve disease that may require treatment with aortic valve repair or replacement include: For some people with mild aortic valve disease without symptoms, careful monitoring under a doctor’s supervision may be all that’s needed.But in most cases, aortic valve disease and dysfunction get worse despite medical treatment.Most aortic valve conditions are mechanical problems that can’t be successfully treated with medication alone.Such conditions eventually require surgery to reduce symptoms and your risk of complications, such as heart failure, heart attack, stroke or death due to sudden cardiac arrest.The decision to repair or replace a damaged aortic valve depends on many things, including: In general, heart valve repair is usually the first choice because it is associated with a lower risk of infection, preserves valve strength and function, and reduces the need to take blood-thinning medications for the rest of your life, which may be necessary with certain types of valve replacement.For example, people with a hole in the valve’s closure flaps (perforated valve leaflet) may be candidates for aortic valve repair rather than replacement, depending on the severity of their condition.
However, most valves cannot be repaired, and heart valve repair surgery is often harder to do than valve replacement.Your best option will depend on your individual situation, as well as the expertise and experience of your health care te