Aortic Valve Replacement
This webpage will give you information about an aortic
valve replacement. If you have any questions, you should ask your
GP or other relevant health professional.
What is aortic valve disease?
The aortic valve controls the flow of blood out of the heart
(see figure 1). Aortic valve disease is where the valve does not
open properly or is narrowed, or does not close properly. If your
valve does not open properly or is narrowed, you may get dizzy or
breathless or have chest pain. If your valve does not close
properly, you can get palpitations and breathlessness.
Figure 1: The heart - the aortic valve is circled
What are the benefits of surgery?
The main benefits of surgery are to relieve breathlessness and
chest pain and improve energy levels. You should live longer with
surgery.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
Drug treatments such as diuretics, ACE-inhibitors and digoxin
are the main alternatives to surgery.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and
usually takes about two hours.
Your surgeon will make a cut down the front of your chest,
through the breastbone. You will be connected to a heart-lung
machine, which allows the heart to be opened and the valve
replaced. The two main types of replacement valve are mechanical or
tissue valves.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Unsightly scarring
- Blood clots
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Stroke
- Infection in the chest wound
- Heart attack
- Death
How soon will I recover?
After the operation you will be transferred to the cardiac
intensive-care unit or high-dependency unit, usually for 24 hours,
and then to the ward. You should be able to go home after seven to
ten days.
Your surgeon, physiotherapist and occupational therapist will
tell you when you can return to normal activities.
Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities
as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a
member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
Most people make a good recovery, with no more breathlessness or
chest pain. You may have more energy after you recover.
Summary
Aortic valve disease can cause pain, shortness of breath and
eventually death. Aortic valve replacement can relieve your pain,
improve your energy levels and may help you to live longer.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Edward Black MBBS FRCS (CTh)
Illustrations: Medical Illustration Copyright © 2007 Nucleus
Medical Art. All rights reserved. www.nucleusinc.com.
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on this website is
produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Ramsay Health
Care UK.
The intellectual property rights to the information belong
exclusively to EIDO Healthcare Limited.
You may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any
of the information other than for your personal, non-commercial
use.
The information should not replace advice that your relevant
health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment