Overview
Aortic valve replacement is a treatment used to replace a diseased or damaged aortic valve when it no longer functions properly. The aortic valve controls blood flow from the heart's left ventricle into the aorta, which supplies oxygen-rich blood to the body.
Aortic valve replacement may be recommended for patients with severe aortic stenosis, where the valve becomes narrowed and restricts blood flow. It may also be considered for certain cases of aortic valve regurgitation or other forms of significant valve disease.
Depending on the patient's age, health, valve condition, anatomy and overall surgical risk, treatment options may include surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or a catheter-based procedure such as TAVR/TAVI.
When Is Aortic Valve Replacement Recommended?
Aortic valve replacement may be recommended when aortic valve disease becomes severe or starts to significantly affect heart function and quality of life. Your cardiologist may consider valve replacement in cases of severe aortic stenosis, significant aortic valve regurgitation, symptoms related to aortic valve disease, reduced heart function, progressive deterioration of the valve, increased strain on the heart, or when valve replacement is required during another cardiac surgery. The decision is based on clinical assessment, imaging findings, symptoms, overall health and the type and severity of the valve disease.
Diagnosis Before Aortic Valve Replacement
A detailed cardiac evaluation is performed before deciding whether valve replacement is appropriate. The assessment may include:
- Medical history and physical examination
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiography
- Doppler assessment of the aortic valve
- Chest imaging when required
- Cardiac CT, particularly when planning TAVR/TAVI
- Cardiac catheterisation or coronary angiography when indicated
- Blood tests and pre-procedure health assessment
Technology and Infrastructure
Aortic valve replacement requires detailed assessment and treatment planning. Depending on the selected procedure, cardiac care may involve advanced echocardiography, Doppler imaging, cardiac CT for TAVR/TAVI planning, cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography when indicated, intraoperative cardiac monitoring, imaging guidance during catheter-based valve procedures, and intensive cardiac monitoring after surgery or intervention.
The specific investigations and technologies used depend on the patient's condition and the planned valve replacement procedure.
Benefits of Aortic Valve Replacement
- Improve blood flow from the heart
- Reduce symptoms caused by severe valve disease
- Improve exercise tolerance
- Reduce the workload on the heart
- Support heart function
- Improve quality of life
- Reduce complications associated with severe untreated valve disease
Medicines and Follow-Up After Valve Replacement
Recovery after aortic valve replacement varies depending on whether the patient undergoes TAVR/TAVI or surgical valve replacement. After the procedure, the cardiac team monitors heart rhythm, blood pressure, valve function and the patient's overall recovery.
Patients may be advised to take prescribed medicines as directed, attend scheduled follow-up appointments, follow activity and rehabilitation recommendations, maintain good dental and oral hygiene, follow advice regarding infection prevention, report any new or worsening symptoms promptly, and continue regular cardiac assessments.
Recovery after TAVR may be shorter for some patients, while surgical valve replacement generally requires a longer recovery period.
How Long Does an Artificial Aortic Valve Last?
The lifespan of an artificial valve depends on the type of valve and individual patient factors.
Mechanical valves are designed to be highly durable and can function for many years. Tissue valves also provide effective long-term valve function, but they can gradually deteriorate over time.
Regular follow-up helps the cardiology team monitor the replacement valve and identify any changes in valve function.
Why Choose Sarvodaya Hospital for Aortic Valve Replacement?
Aortic valve replacement requires detailed evaluation, appropriate treatment selection and coordinated cardiac care.
At Sarvodaya Hospital, patients can undergo cardiac assessment and treatment planning based on their symptoms, valve condition, diagnostic findings and overall health. The cardiac team evaluates the available treatment options and recommends the approach that is most appropriate for the individual patient.
Why Patients Choose Specialist Cardiac Care
- Experienced Cardiology Team: Specialist evaluation and management of heart valve conditions.
- Comprehensive Cardiac Assessment: Detailed evaluation of valve function and overall cardiac health.
- Advanced Diagnostic Support: Access to cardiac imaging and investigations required for treatment planning.
- Personalised Treatment Planning: Treatment recommendations based on the patient's condition, anatomy and clinical requirements.
- Multiple Treatment Approaches: Assessment for surgical or catheter-based valve replacement when clinically appropriate.
- Continuity of Care: Follow-up support to monitor valve function and long-term cardiac health.
