Aortic Valve Surgery

Aortic Valve Surgery

Heart valve diseases may occur due to childhood rheumatic fever, congenital heart muscle disease or other heart diseases. This disease is most commonly seen in the mitral valve and aortic valve. Surgical methods are used to treat valve calcification, stenosis or insufficiency.

Aortic valve diseases often occur due to wear and tear, that is, degenerative reasons, and are more common in patients over the age of 70. Deformation of the aortic valve by calcification prevents the valve from opening, causing strain on the heart muscle to pump blood to the body. If this disease is not treated, it may also cause thickening or insufficiency in the relevant muscle. Advanced calcification in the relevant area can cause heart failure, which can be life-threatening.

Aortic Valve Stenosis Symptoms

The most common symptoms in patients experiencing this problem are pain around the chest, feeling of tightness in the chest, fainting after strenuous work, shortness of breath and weakness. Since it usually occurs in older ages, it is important for older patients experiencing these symptoms to be examined without delay.

How is Aortic Valve Surgery Performed?

It is determined depending on the level of stenosis or insufficiency in the valve. If the problem in the relevant area is at a level that can be treated, aortic valve repair surgery is performed. However, if the stenosis is severe, replacement is necessary. A biological valve or artificial heart valve can be used for this replacement surgery. Artificial heart valves are generally used in heart valve replacement surgeries.