Aortic Valve Surgery and Its Causes

The heart is one of the most important organs in the body, and heart valve problems can lead to serious health problems. The aortic valve is the valve that separates the left ventricle of the heart and the aortic artery, and it may lose its function for various reasons (such as congenital diseases, aging, rheumatic fever). In this case, aortic valve surgery may be required.

What is Aortic Valve Surgery?

Aortic valve surgery is a surgical procedure to repair or replace a damaged aortic valve. There are two main options: repairing the cover or installing a new cover. The type of surgery is determined according to the patient's health status and heart functions.

How is Aortic Valve Surgery Performed in Children?

Although aortic valve problems seen in children are mostly congenital, they may also develop later.

A problem in the child's aortic heart valve is detected. Afterwards, general anesthesia is applied. The parts of the heart that need to be repaired are repaired or the heart valve is replaced with a new one.

The healing process may occur faster in children. It can be said that renewal and recovery in young and developing bodies develop faster than other age groups.

However, since there will be other situations that affect the healing process, the doctor's instructions must be followed to the letter.

How is Aortic Valve Surgery Performed in Women?

Valve surgery in women is performed to solve problems such as valve insufficiency and valve narrowing.

The general health condition of the woman who will undergo surgery is examined. After the necessary examinations are performed, the surgery begins with anesthesia.

Pregnancy In this case, one may wonder whether aortic valve surgery is risky. Surgery can be performed on pregnant or breastfeeding women, but surgery is not recommended in the early stages of pregnancy.

After aortic valve surgery, the mother can breastfeed her baby. However, there may be some situations that may affect breastfeeding.

Medications used after surgery may negatively affect breastfeeding. The doctor who performed the surgery will give the most accurate information.

How is Aortic Valve Surgery Performed in Men?

Aortic valve surgery in men is performed for the treatment of aortic valve stenosis (narrowing) and aortic valve insufficiency diseases.

The rib cage is opened and the heart is reached. Afterwards, the person's heart is stopped. A device called heart-lung is used to clean and pump the blood in the body with oxygen. The heart valve is then repaired or replaced.

How is Aortic Valve Surgery Performed in the Elderly?

The question of how aortic valve surgery is performed in the elderly depends on the health status of the patient.

Generally, heart problems are more common in the elderly than in other age groups. The health status of the elderly person who will undergo surgery, heart functions, conditions of other organs and the risks of the surgery are evaluated.

If deemed appropriate, the physician may decide on surgery. The surgery process proceeds the same as for all adults.

How is Aortic Valve Surgery Performed?

For the question of how aortic valve surgery is performed, anesthesia is first mentioned. The patient is put to sleep with anesthesia.

An incision is made in the person's ribcage to reach the heart. The person's heart is stopped and connected to a device called a heart lung, which pumps blood.

The surgeon examines the patient's heart valve and, depending on the situation, the valve is repaired or replaced.

After the surgery is completed, the heart is restarted and the connected device is disconnected. The patient stays in intensive care for a while and the condition of the heart functions and other organs is examined.

Aortic Valve Surgery Risks

Risks of surgery include anesthesia problems, heart rhythm disorders, heart failure, lung and kidney problems, and prosthetic valve problems.

Post-Operative Care

In the postoperative period, nutrition and exercise play an important role, depending on the patient's age and general health condition. Regular use of medications and hygiene are also critical in the healing process. Emotional support helps reduce stress.

Healing Process

Full recovery time is on average 6-12 weeks. This process begins in the intensive care unit of the hospital and continues at home. The patient should pay attention to nutrition and exercise programs by following the doctor's instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Aortic Valve Surgery Duration: It usually varies between 2-6 hours.
• Preparation before Aortic Valve Surgery: Tests and examinations requested by the doctor are performed.
• Aortic Valve Surgery Types: There are two types: valve repair and valve replacement.
• Aortic Valve Prosthesis Types: Biological and mechanical prostheses are used. Biological prostheses provide natural blood flow but are not long-lasting. Mechanical prostheses are long-lasting, but they increase the risk of blood clots and require constant use of blood-thinning medications.