What Is An Aortic Valve Replacement?

Why is an aortic valve replacement necessary? What is the recovery period for this procedure? We sit down with Mr. Jorge Mascaro, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon, at The Priory Hospital. Mr. Mascaro is highly experienced when it comes to performing aortic valve replacement surgery. He answers some of your key questions about the procedure, including how you can take care of yourself and lead a healthy, active lifestyle following your recovery. Immediate links: For more information about aortic valve replacement, browse: https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/treatments/aortic-valve-replacement https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/specialities/heart-surgery https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/specialities/cardiothoracic-surgery Why is aortic valve replacement necessary? Damage to your aortic valve can develop due to many reasons, such as age-related degeneration, inflammation, or infection. When your valve doesn't open and close as it should, it can lead to reduced blood flow, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and even heart failure. Aortic valve replacement helps restore normal blood flow, relieving you of these unpleasant symptoms and improving your overall heart function and general health. It’s worth mentioning that you don’t always need aortic valve replacement. If you’re young and the valve is ‘incompetent’ (which is essentially when there is a small leak due to the frame of the valve – the annulus – being enlarged), it’s possible to add support to the outside of the valve, which reinforces this frame. What types of aortic valves are available? There are two common types of aortic valves used in replacement procedures: mechanical valves and biological tissue valves. The mechanical valves are usually made of very strong and durable materials like metal or carbon, and they tend to last longer. However, they require lifelong blood-thinning medication to prevent blood clots forming on the valve and jamming the mechanism. Biological tissue valves, on the other hand, are usually made from animal tissues (either bovine or porcine) or, in some rare cases, a human donated valve. They don't usually require long-term blood-thinning medication, but they may need to be replaced after a certain number of years. You and your consultant will decide which option is best for you depending on your age, lifestyle, and general health, as well as your reason for having an aortic valve replacement in the first place. How do I prepare for aortic valve replacement? Preparing for surgery involves several steps. Your consultant will take you through an in-depth evaluation, including physical exams, imaging, blood tests, and other lab work. You may need to adjust or discontinue certain medications, particularly those that affect blood clotting. You’ll have plenty of time to have open conversations with your healthcare team, ask questions, and discuss any concerns you may have before surgery. Drawing on your support system of family and friends can also make the process smoother. Either way, your team will always be there to answer any questions you have about how to prepare for surgery in the safest way possible. If you have heart problems and would like help, you can book an appointment with a consultant cardiologist to begin your treatment journey. Leave a comment below if you’d like more expert videos from consultants about taking care of your heart health. Further Links –  Mr. Jorge Mascaro is a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at The Priory Hospital. https://www.circlehealthgroup.co.uk/hospitals/the-priory-hospital Hashtags - #heartsurgery #aorticvalvereplacement #hearthealth