Aortic valve surgery - open

Aortic valve replacement; Aortic valvuloplasty; Aortic valve repair; Replacement - aortic valve; AVR

Blood flows out of your heart and into a large blood vessel called the aorta. The aortic valve separates the heart and aorta. The aortic valve opens so blood can flow out. It then closes to keep blood from returning to the heart.

You may need aortic valve surgery to replace the aortic valve in your heart if:

  • Your aortic valve does not close all the way, so blood leaks back into the heart. This is called aortic regurgitation.
  • Your aortic valve does not open fully, so blood flow out of the heart is reduced. This is called aortic stenosis.

Open aortic valve surgery replaces the valve through a large cut in your chest.

The aortic valve can also be replaced using minimally invasive aortic valve surgery. This is done using several small cuts.

Heart valves - anterior view

There are four valves located in the heart. Each valve either consists of two or three folds of thin tissue. When closed, the valve prevents blood from flowing backwards to its previous location. When open the valve allows blood to flow freely. Valve problems can occur because of congenital abnormalities, infection, or other causes.

Heart valves - superior view

There are four valves located in the heart. Each valve either consists of two or three folds of thin tissue. When closed, the valve prevents blood from flowing backwards to its previous location. When open the valve allows blood to flow freely. Valve problems can occur because of congenital abnormalities, infection, or other causes.

Aortic stenosis

Aortic stenosis is a heart valve disorder that narrows or obstructs the aortic valve opening. Narrowing of the aortic valve prevents the valve from opening properly and obstructs the flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta. This can reduce the amount of blood that flows forward to the body.

Description

Why the Procedure Is Performed

Risks

Before the Procedure

After the Procedure

Outlook (Prognosis)