Question 1

What is Aortic Valve Replacement?

Accepted Answer

The valves responsible for blood flow through the chambers of the heart can sometimes get blocked. This makes them unable to perform their duties effectively. The aortic valve, located on the left side of your heart, is responsible for blood outflow from the heart to the rest of the body. If the aortic valve has a congenital defect, it can lead to stenosis or regurgitation. Surgery is used to replace the valve to ensure better functioning.

Question 2

What is the aorta in the heart?

Accepted Answer

The aorta is the main artery that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

Question 3

What is the success rate of aortic valve replacement surgery?

Accepted Answer

When heart valvuloplasty and valve replacement are performed on the elderly, the success rate tends to be very high. However, the prognosis can only be improved by optimising preoperative preparation, shortening the time taken for cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamping, and paying particular attention to myocardial protection and postoperative care.

Question 4

How dangerous is heart valve replacement surgery?

Accepted Answer

More than 95% of the people who undergo coronary bypass surgery do not experience serious complications. The risk of death immediately after the procedure is only 1%-2%.

Question 5

How long does an aortic valve replacement surgery take?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the number of valves that need to be repaired or replaced, the surgery can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours or more. The patient will need to stay at the hospital for about a week, including at least 1 to 3 days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Question 6

Is heart valve replacement a major surgery?

Accepted Answer

Heart valve replacement surgery is performed to repair or replace a heart valve that is not working properly due to valvular heart disease. It is a major operation as it is open-heart surgery, done through the breastbone.

Question 7

Can the aortic valve be replaced without open-heart surgery?

Accepted Answer

Open-heart surgery was the only option for replacing the valve, until recently. A treatment called Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement, or TAVR, offers a less invasive alternative with an easier, shorter recovery.

Question 8

Does the rib cage need to be opened for open-heart surgery?

Accepted Answer

In open-heart surgery, the surgeon will make a 6- to 8-inch incision (cut) right in the middle of the chest wall. They will then cut the breastbone and open the rib cage to reach the heart. All major precautions will be taken in the process. Medication to thin the blood and prevent it from clotting will be given. A breathing tube, connected to a ventilator, will be placed in the lungs through the throat.

Question 9

Which heart valve is the most difficult to replace?

Accepted Answer

There are 4 valves in the human heart – the Aortic valve, Mitral valve, Tricuspid valve and Pulmonic valve. Aortic valve replacement is the most common procedure and is generally safe when performed by experienced teams. The mitral valve is mostly repaired when needed. The tricuspid and pulmonic valves are rarely repaired or replaced.

Question 10

What is the average age for heart valve replacement?

Accepted Answer

Heart valve replacement surgery usually occurs in people aged 53 to 92 years.

Question 11

What is the most common type of heart valve replacement?

Accepted Answer

Aortic valve replacement is the most common surgical procedure for the aortic valve and is used for aortic stenosis or narrowing of the aortic valve. Aortic regurgitation is another common valve problem that requires valve replacement. Regurgitation is a condition where the valve allows blood to return to the heart instead of flowing out. This condition might cause heart failure. Mitral stenosis might also sometimes require a valve replacement procedure.

Question 12

What is the life expectancy after Aortic Valve Replacement?

Accepted Answer

Your life expectancy will depend entirely on the severity of the disease before the procedure. It also depends on other factors, such as your age, overall health condition, gender, ethnicity and lifestyle. In a study conducted in the UK on the long-term outcomes after Aortic Valve Replacement, the survival rate was recorded at 16 years for people aged 75. However, you need to ensure regular monitoring of your heart’s function because the bioprosthetic valves are likely to wear out and need replacement.

Question 13

How dangerous is Aortic Valve Replacement?

Accepted Answer

The safety of the procedure depends on the expertise of the medical team. Complications can include excessive bleeding, stroke, heart attack and rejection of the valve by the patient’s body.

Question 14

Can the aortic valve be replaced without open-heart surgery?

Accepted Answer

Earlier aortic valves were usually replaced using open heart procedures. However, innovative procedures, such as TAVI/TAVR, have emerged as minimally invasive options.

Question 15

What are the symptoms of aortic valve problems?

Accepted Answer

In some cases, aortic valve issues may not show any external symptoms, while in others, they could appear as:

Heart murmurs

Angina or chest pain

Arrhythmia or irregular heart rhythm

Difficulties in breathing

Bouts of fainting

Question 16

What is the most common complication of Aortic Valve Replacement?

Accepted Answer

Heart attacks, stroke and chest wound infection are reported most after open-heart surgery.

Question 17

What changes should I make to my diet?

Accepted Answer

After Aortic Valve Replacement surgery, your physician will advise you to strictly avoid all foods that are high in sugar and sodium. This includes processed foods and baked goods that might contain artificial preservatives.

Question 18

Which is the best type of valve replacement?

Accepted Answer

There are two kinds of valve replacements – Mechanical and Biological/Bioprosthetic (from human/ animal donors). Each has its own pros and cons. Your doctor can help you decide which is the best option for your needs.