Aortic valve replacement

What is it?

The aortic valve controls the flow of blood out from the heart to the rest of the body. Aortic valve replacement is open heart surgery to treat problems with the valve. The faulty or damaged valve is removed and replaced with a new one made from synthetic materials or animal tissue.

When is it necessary?

■ If the valve has become narrowed. The opening of the valve becomes smaller, obstructing the flow of blood out of the heart.

■ If the valve is leaky. In this situation, the valve allows blood to flow back through into the heart.

The problems can get worse over time, and in severe cases can lead to life-threatening problems such as heart failure if left untreated. How is aortic valve replacement carried out?

Under general anaesthetic, a large cut about 25cm long is made in your chest to access your heart. Your heart is stopped and a heartlung (bypass) machine is used to take over the job of your heart during the operation.

The damaged or faulty valve is removed and replaced with the new one. Your heart is restarted and the opening in your chest is closed. The operation usually takes a few hours. Recovery after surgery

You’ll usually need to stay in hospital for about a week after surgery, although it may be three months before you fully recover.

You should take things easy when you first get home, but you can start to gradually return to your normal activities during the next few weeks.

What are the risks?

Wound, lung, bladder or heart valve infections, blood clots, strokes, a temporarily irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), reduced kidney function for a few days.