Aortic Valve Replacement
The aortic valve is the “outflow valve” on the left side of the heart. When it opens, blood flows from the left ventricle, the main pumping chamber of the heart, to the aorta, where it is then distributed to the rest of the body. A normal aortic valve has three leaflets that close to prevent blood from leaking back into the left ventricle.
A damaged aortic valve may leak if the leaflets do not close completely (aortic regurgitation or insufficiency), or the valve opening may become narrowed (aortic stenosis), reducing blood flow to the rest of the body. Damage to the aortic valve can be caused by several things. The most common congenital (existing from birth) abnormality is a bicuspid aortic valve, where the valve has only two flaps instead of three, which may prevent the valve from closing properly. Other causes include infection, high blood pressure, and diseases such as Marfan syndrome. Symptoms of a damaged aortic valve include fatigue (especially during activity), shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness or loss of consciousness.
Surgical treatment usually requires that the damaged valve be replaced with either a mechanical or biological artificial valve (see below). Each artificial valve has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. The advantage of mechanical valves is their durability. The disadvantage of mechanical valves is that they require anticoagulation (blood thinners) for life to prevent blood clots. Biological valves have a lesser risk of blood clots and typically require only the temporary use of anticoagulates. However, biological valves have reduced durability and will eventually wear out.
Talk to your cardiologist and cardiothoracic surgeon to discuss your individual needs and to best determine your individual risk, which will depend on your age, specific medical conditions, and your heart function.