Surgical Videos
of an |
Aortic Valve Replacement: Video #1 |
Aortic Valve Replacement: Video #2 |
Surgery for
Aortic Valve Disease
Aortic valves almost always have to be replaced. There are a few instances where the valve can be repaired if it is leaking.
The surgery involves going on the heart-lung machine (cardiopulmonary bypass), stopping the heart, and then opening the aorta.
The aortic valve is cut out, and a replacement aortic valve, either tissue or mechanical, is sutured in. The aorta is closed and the heart allowed to resume function.
After normal heart function returns, the patient is taken off of the heart-lung machine.
One particular problem with aortic valve surgery is that the electrical conduction system of the heart runs through this area. It is not something that can be seen, but its usual location is known.
Despite this, it is occasionally disrupted when an aortic valve is implanted.
If this happens, the heart rate becomes too low, and a pacemaker is required.
This is usually done a few days later under local anesthesia.