Aortic valve replacement
An aortic valve replacement is a major operation and will only be carried out if you're well enough to have surgery.
In the weeks before the procedure, you'll attend a pre-admission clinic for an assessment to check whether the operation is suitable. This is also a good time to ask any questions you have about the procedure.
As part of this assessment, you may:
If you smoke, you'll be advised to stop in the lead up to your operation because this can reduce theriskof complications.You should be told when you need to stop eating and drinking before the procedure.
When you have the operation, it's likely you'll be in hospital for about a week, so you'll need to make some practical preparations in advance. These include bringing clothes, toiletries and any equipment you use, such as a walking stick or hearing aid.
An aortic valve replacement is carried out under general anaesthetic . This means you'll be asleep during the operation and won't feel any pain while it's carried out. The operation usually lasts a few hours.
Before having an aortic valve replacement, you'll need to decideon the most suitable type of replacement valve for you.
There are two main types of replacement valve:
Each type has advantages and disadvantages, which your doctor will discuss with you.
The main advantage of mechanical valves is that they're hard-wearing and less likely to need replacing. This means they're often better for younger people having a valve replacement.
However, there's a tendency for potentially dangerous bloodclots to formon the valve, so lifelong treatment with anticoagulant medication such as warfarin is needed to prevent this.
This will increase the chances of excessive bleeding from a cut or injury, particularly as you get older, and may not be suitable if you've had significant bleeding problems in the past.
Mechanical valves can also make a quiet clicking noise, which can be disturbing at first,but is easy to get used to.
The main advantage of biological valves is that there's less risk of clots forming, so lifelong anticoagulant treatment isn't usually necessary.
However, biological valves tend towear out a bit faster than mechanical valves and may eventually need to be replaced after many years. Therefore, they are often better for older people havinga valve replacement.
Aorta
The aorta is a large blood vessel that runs down the abdomen and transports blood away from the heart.
Aortic valve
The aortic valve is the valve that controls the flow of blood out of the left ventricle of the heart to the aorta (the bodys main artery).
Bypass
A bypass is when the flow of blood or other fluid is redirected, permanently because of a blockage in the body or temporarily during an operation.
Blood vessel
Blood vessels are the tubes in which blood travels to and from parts of the body. The three main types of blood vessels are veins, arteries and capillaries.
Incision
An incision is a cut made in the body with a surgical instrument during an operation.
An aortic valve replacement involves removing a faulty or damaged valve and replacing it with a new one made from synthetic materials or animal tissue. It's a major operation that isn't suitable for everyone.
An aortic valve replacement is used to treat conditions affecting the aortic valve. These are known as aortic valve diseases.Without treatment, severe aortic valve disease is likely to get worse and may eventually be fatal.
An aortic valve replacement is a major operation and will only be carried out if you're well enough to have surgery. There are two main types of replacement valve: mechanical valves and biological valves.
After an aortic valve replacement, you'll usually need to stay in hospital for about a week. Your breastbone will usually heal in about six to eight weeks, but it may be two to three months before you feel your normal self again.
Like any type of surgery, anaortic valve replacement is associated with a number of complications. Fortunately, serious problems are uncommon. The risk of experiencing complications is generally higher for older people and those in generally poor health.
Aortic valve replacement is the most effective treatment for aortic valve diseases. However, it can place tremendous strain on the body and alternatives procedures may be needed.
Mike Tennant found a new lease of life having his aortic valve replaced. "I had the operation just before Christmas and it's given me a new lease of life." says Mike.