Aortic valve repair and replacement surgery

Aortic valve repair and replacement surgery are procedures used to treat issues with the aortic valve, which controls blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. In aortic valve repair, surgeons reshape or repair the valve so it functions properly, usually in cases where the valve is damaged but still usable. In aortic valve replacement, a damaged valve is replaced with either a mechanical or biological valve to restore healthy blood flow. These surgeries help improve symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue and support heart health.

To determine whether a patient needs a repair or a replacement of the aortic valve, doctors assess factors like the severity of the valve damage, the type of valve disease, and the age and health of the patient. The decision typically involves imaging tests, such as an echocardiogram, to evaluate the valve structure and function.

At Penn Medicine, you can trust that you’ll receive the right aortic valve care exactly when you need it. Our Heart Valve Disease Program collaborates closely with experts in the Aorta Center and the Center for Bicuspid Aortic Valve Diseases to monitor and assess patients regularly, identifying disease progression early to ensure the best outcomes.

People with aortic valve disease, particularly those experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue, are often considered for aortic valve repair or replacement surgery. These procedures may also benefit those at risk of heart failure or other serious complications due to valve dysfunction.

During an aortic valve surgery, here’s what you can expect:

• You’ll be placed under general anesthesia to ensure comfort.
• You’ll be connected to a heart-lung bypass machine or bypass pump to continue the movement of blood through your body during the procedure.
• Your surgeon will make several small incisions for minimally invasive surgery or one larger incision down the center of your chest to access your heart directly.
• For a valve repair, your surgeon will adjust the valve so it opens and closes correctly.
• For a valve replacement, the damaged valve will be removed and replaced with either a mechanical or biological valve.
• Once the surgery is complete, the surgeon will close your incisions and you’ll be disconnected from the bypass machine.
• After surgery, you’ll be closely monitored for several days while your providers ensure there aren’t any complications.

Recovery time after aortic valve surgery depends on whether your surgery is open or minimally invasive. People who undergo minimally invasive surgery tend to recover faster. To enhance recovery, your cardiologist may recommend cardiac rehabilitation. This outpatient program delivers exercise, nutrition, education, and support.

While generally safe, aortic valve repair and replacement surgery carries certain risks, as with any surgical procedure. Potential complications may include bleeding, infection, blood clots, irregular heartbeats, valve malfunction, and, in rare cases, stroke or heart attack. Your care team will carefully review these factors with you to ensure that this surgery is the right option for your health and heart function.

The cardiac surgeons at Penn Medicine’s Heart Valve Disease Program have the expertise to treat complex aortic valve conditions. As one of the largest valve programs in the country, we perform more valve surgeries, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), than any other health system in Pennsylvania.