Beating Heart Aortic Valve Replacement

Posted On: 04-21-2015

What is Beating Heart Aortic Valve Replacement?

During beating heart aortic valve replacement, a malfunctioning, damaged, or diseased heart valve is replaced with an artificial valve or one from a pig, cow, or human donor. This procedure is performed while the heart is beating. A cardiopulmonary bypass machine may be used to improve circulation during the procedure.

Also Known As:

Off-pump aortic valve replacement
Heart surgery
Aorta surgery
Heart valve replacement

Conditions Treated with Beating Heart Aortic Valve Replacement:

Beating heart aortic valve replacement is utilized in order to treat bicuspid aortic valve, valve stenosis, congenital aortic valve disorder and a damaged aortic valve due to rheumatic fever or bacterial infection.

Beating Heart Aortic Valve Replacement by OrangeCountySurgeons

Non-Surgical or Other Surgical Alternatives to Beating Heart Aortic Valve Replacement:

There are no comparable non-surgical alternatives to beating heart aortic valve replacement. Surgical alternatives include aortic valve replacement, balloon aortic valvuloplasty and minimally invasive or robotically-assisted aortic valve replacement.

Anesthesia with Beating Heart Aortic Valve Replacement:

Beating heart aortic valve replacement is performed under general anesthesia, which means that the patient is asleep and completely unaware during the procedure.

Potential Complications from Beating Heart Aortic Valve Replacement:

Possible risks following beating heart aortic valve replacement include infection, bleeding and a negative reaction to the anesthesia. Scarring, blood clots and heart attack are also possible complications.

Prognosis after Beating Heart Aortic Valve Replacement:

The prognosis for a positive end result following beating heart aortic valve replacement is good. Mechanical valves last longer than biological ones. However, patients will need to take anticoagulants indefinitely.

Recovery from Beating Heart Aortic Valve Replacement:

The total recovery time for beating heart aortic valve replacement is six to eight weeks.