Aortic Valve: Anatomy, Problems & Open-Heart Surgery
🫀 Aortic Valve Anatomy
The aortic valve lies between the left ventricle and the aorta, controlling blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. It typically has three cusps: right coronary, left coronary, and non-coronary.
🦠 Common Aortic Valve Problems
- Aortic Stenosis: Narrowing of the valve, causing reduced blood flow.
- Aortic Regurgitation: Valve does not close properly, causing blood to leak back.
- Congenital Defects: e.g., bicuspid valve (2 cusps instead of 3).
- Endocarditis: Infection damaging the valve.
🩺 Treatment Options
- Medical Management: BP control, diuretics, monitoring.
- Balloon Valvuloplasty: Temporary relief in select cases.
- TAVR: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (minimally invasive).
🛠️ Open-Heart Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR)
Recommended for severe stenosis/regurgitation with symptoms. Involves full surgical access and cardiopulmonary bypass.
🏥 Step-by-Step Surgery
- Preoperative Preparation
- Sternotomy (chest opening)
- Cardiopulmonary Bypass (heart-lung machine)
- Aortic cross-clamping and cardioplegia
- Valve Exposure via Aortotomy
- Removal of Diseased Valve
- Insertion of Mechanical or Bioprosthetic Valve
- Heart Restart and Weaning off Bypass
- Sternum and Skin Closure
- ICU Recovery and Post-op Care
⚖️ Mechanical vs Bioprosthetic Valves
| Feature |
Mechanical Valve |
Bioprosthetic Valve |
| Durability |
20–30 years |
10–15 years |
| Anticoagulation |
Lifelong (e.g., warfarin) |
Usually not needed |
| Age Preference |
Younger patients |
Older patients (>65) |
🔄 Long-Term Follow-up
- Regular echocardiograms
- Anticoagulation monitoring (if mechanical valve)
- Infection prophylaxis for procedures
- Heart-healthy lifestyle and medications
✅ Note: Always consult a cardiologist or cardiac surgeon to determine the best treatment based on your specific condition.
