Aortic valve replacement is an "open heart" procedure used to treat aortic valve disease.
The aortic valve is the outflow valve for the main pumping chamber (left ventricle) of the heart. It opens when the ventricle contracts and closes when the ventricle relaxes, preventing blood from leaking back into the left ventricle.
Aortic valve disease may result from a congenital abnormality that causes valve malfunction after many years of normal function; these patients commonly develop symptoms after age 40 - 50. More commonly, aortic valve disease is caused by calcification of the valve due to aging. In either case, the diseased valve may fail to fully open (aortic stenosis) or close completely (aortic regurgitation).
Valve replacement is indicated when aortic valve disease causes symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness or fainting spells, Valve replacement may also be indicated in selected patients without symptoms, because of an enlarged heart as measured by echocardiogram. Both mechanical and biologic valves are utilized for aortic valve replacement. We help each patient decide on the appropriate type of valve for his/her specific situation.
For additional information, click on this link:
http://www.sts.org/sections/patientinformation/valvesurgery/aorticvalve/index.html