The human heart performs various functions, from regulating circulation to supplying oxygen and nutrients. Fortunately, specialized cardiac surgeons can correct heart defects through advanced surgical procedures. One such procedure is aortic valve replacement, which is often quite effective for patients with specific heart diseases. It involves replacing a weak aortic valve with a properly functioning artificial one. 

Aortic valve replacement – What it is
Aortic valve replacement is often performed when a person’s aortic valve has narrowed so much that it cannot open as much as necessary. Usually, aortic valve replacement becomes necessary for those with advanced aortic stenosis. This surgery aims to replace the heart’s original valve with a biological or mechanical one.

Benefits of aortic valve replacement

1. Increased blood flow
Aortic valve disease can be extremely fatal if it is not diagnosed and treated in time. Over 60% of all valve disease deaths are caused by aortic valve disease. Essentially, the root cause of the problem is the narrowing of the aortic valve, which blocks blood flow. An aortic valve replacement surgery widens this valve, increasing blood flow and circulation.

2. Relief from shortness of breath and chest pain
Because a narrow aortic valve exerts pressure on the heart’s left ventricle, this part of the heart becomes thicker, causing chest pain and breathing problems. Aortic valve replacement surgery widens the aortic valve and reduces pressure on the left ventricle, helping to eliminate these issues.

3. Fewer fainting spells
When pressure on the left ventricle increases, it can also trigger lightheadedness and fainting, and an aortic valve replacement procedure reduces such instances.

Aortic valve replacement techniques and procedures

1. Open-heart aortic valve replacement surgery
In open-heart aortic valve replacement surgery, the heart surgeon makes one or more incisions on the chest to reach a person’s heart and replace the original aortic valve with a biological or mechanical valve. In the traditional method, a single cut or incision is made on the chest, starting from just below the Adam’s apple to just above the navel, but this procedure is quite invasive. It may not be suitable for all patients. That’s why doctors may use a minimally invasive aortic valve replacement procedure, even in the open-heart technique, wherein they make multiple tiny incisions instead of just one. An open-heart surgery may sometimes cause problems like arrhythmia and blood clotting, for which surgeons may prescribe separate treatment courses. Also, even the minimally invasive procedure does involve incisions, so it is invasive to a certain extent.

2. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement surgery
Open-heart aortic valve replacement surgery can be quite risky for those with conditions like advanced aortic stenosis, so doctors often prescribe TAVR for such patients. Heart surgeons insert a catheter, or a flexible tube, into the patient’s body and guide it to the heart. The catheter has a folded biological or prosthetic replacement valve placed inside the heart’s actual valve. Surgeons may use different procedures to guide the catheter to the heart. For example, they may guide it through the femoral artery, a blood vessel in the thigh or groin, using the chest’s blood vessels, the septum (a layer of tissue between the left and right atria), and the stomach’s blood vessels.

3. Biological vs. mechanical aortic valves

• Biological aortic valves
  These valves are made of pig, cow, or human heart tissues and are treated so the body doesn’t reject them. Doctors may suggest biological aortic valves because they are less likely to form blood clots. On the other hand, these aortic valves do not last very long, so they must be replaced after a few years, usually within ten years of the previous replacement procedure.
• Mechanical aortic valve
  A mechanical aortic valve is a prosthetic valve that is made to resemble an original heart valve exactly. They usually last lifelong, so one does not have to get these valves replaced after one procedure. However, these valves risk blood clot formation, so heart surgeons may prescribe a separate treatment course to prevent blood clots.

Tips to recover after an aortic valve replacement surgery

1. Have heart-healthy foods
The heart needs sufficient time and nutrition to recover after a procedure as intense as aortic valve replacement. So, one should have heart-healthy foods like leafy greens, avocados, whole grains, fatty fish, walnuts, and beans.

2. Avoid stressors
After heart surgery, it is critical to avoid stressful situations because they can badly affect the heart. One should make lifestyle changes so that one’s stress levels are reduced. For example, it is best to change one’s job or company or switch to a freelance role if one has a high-pressure job. If household chores cause stress, one should delegate these activities to professionals or seek help from loved ones.

3. Stay physically active
The heart needs exercise to supply blood, oxygen, and nutrients effectively. Even though intensive exercise may not be possible after heart surgery, one should avoid being sedentary. Regular walking, jogging, stretching, cycling, etc., are good ways to stay physically active.