Aortic Valve Replacement

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The aortic valve is on the left side of the heart and serves as an outflow valve. Its job is to allow blood to leave the left ventricle, which is the heart’s main pumping chamber. Its job is also to close so that blood doesn’t leak back into the left ventricle. You may need surgery on your aortic valve if you have a congenital defect or disease that causes stenosis or regurgitation.

The most common type of congenital abnormality is a bicuspid valve. Normally, the aortic valve has three sections of tissue, known as leaflets. This is called a tricuspid valve. A defective valve has only two leaflets, so it’s called a bicuspid valve. A recent study found that aortic valve replacement surgery has a 94 percent five-year survival rate. Survival rates depend on:

• your age

• your overall health

• other medical conditions you have

• your heart function

 

Mitral Valve Replacement

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The mitral valve is located on the left side of the heart. It serves as an inflow valve. Its job is to allow blood from the left atrium to flow into the left ventricle. Surgery may be required if the valve doesn’t fully open or completely close. When the valve is too narrow, it can make it difficult for blood to enter. This can cause it to back up, causing pressure in the lungs. When the valve doesn’t close properly, blood can leak back into the lungs. This can be due to a congenital defect, infection, or a degenerative disease.

The defective valve will be replaced with either a metal artificial valve or a biological valve. The metal valve will last a lifetime but requires you to take blood thinners. The biological valve lasts between 1to 20 years, and you won’t be required to take medication that thins your blood. The five-year survival rate is about 91 percent. The following also play a role in survival rate:

• your age

• your overall health

• other medical conditions you have

• your heart function

Ask your doctor to help assess your personal risks.

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Double Valve Replacement

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A double valve replacement is a replacement of both the mitral and the aortic valve, or the entire left side of the heart. This type of surgery is not as common as the others and the mortality rate is slightly higher.