What is Bicuspid Valve Surgery?

What is Bicuspid Valve Surgery?

Before answering what bicuspid valve surgery is, it would be appropriate to give information about the following. Bicuspid aorta is a condition in which the aortic valve, which is supposed to have three leaves at birth, has only two leaves. Sometimes it does not cause any negative effects in human life, and sometimes its effects can be seen in the future.

The first of these effects may be rapid calcification. Between the ages of 30 and 50, calcification may suddenly increase or the valves may soften, deform, and leak backwards. This causes the heart to enlarge. In such cases, it is appropriate to replace the aortic valve, but in some cases, aortic valve repair can be performed instead of replacement. However, replacement valve repair is more appropriate for people who have suffered from different diseases such as endocarditis.

Is bicuspid aortic valve disease dangerous?

An untreated bicuspid aortic valve can eventually lead to symptoms of heart failure. These include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling. Additionally, an aortic aneurysm may develop downstream from the aortic valve and lead to bleeding or rupture.

Can people with Bicuspid Valve Disease live a normal life?

In the most severe cases, when symptoms are present at birth or in early infancy, surgical repair of the valve should be performed promptly. In other cases, people can go their entire lives without knowing they have bicuspid valve disease.