Plastics and prosthetics of the aortic valve

Aortic valve repair and replacement are among the most common cardiac surgeries. These procedures are performed in cases of severe stenosis (narrowing) of the valve or if the valve does not close properly, leading to significant regurgitation. Such valve defects can be congenital or acquired over the course of life.

The team of doctors at the “Dobrobut” Cardiac Surgery Center performs aortic valve replacement or repair surgeries using a minimally invasive method (without cutting the sternum) through an incision between the ribs measuring 5-6 cm.

This minimally invasive method can be used for 98% of all aortic valve surgeries. In isolated aortic valve surgery, the incision is made to the right of the sternum. When combined with coronary bypass surgery, the incision is made to the left of the sternum.

Advantages of the minimally invasive method:

1. Minimal surgical trauma to the tissues
2. Reduced pain syndrome
3. Low risk of bleeding and infectious complications
4. Minimal restrictions on movement
5. Quick rehabilitation: discharge in 5 days, return to routine work in 10 days
6. Aesthetic postoperative scar

This significantly shortens the rehabilitation period since the patient's body experiences considerably less stress during minimally invasive intervention. Psychological comfort also plays an important role - when a minimally invasive heart surgery is performed, patients experience fewer negative emotions and are more inclined toward active and rapid recovery,” - Cardiac Surgeon Oleksandr Babliak.

Aortic Valve Replacement

This surgical intervention involves the complete replacement of the aortic valve. The cardiac surgeon removes the damaged or malfunctioning valve and replaces it with a valve prosthesis. The choice of the prosthesis depends on many factors and is chosen individually for the patient during a consultation with the cardiac surgeon.  

Types of Aortic Valve Prosthesis

Mechanical  

The most common type of valve. One of the drawbacks is the requirement for mandatory anticoagulant therapy in all patients.                                                              

Biological 

A biological prosthesis has a shorter lifespan compared to a mechanical one, but it does not require anticoagulant use. It is generally made from the pericardium (heart sac) of animals. 

Aortic Valve Repair

This procedure provides the opportunity to preserve the aortic valve by correcting the causes of its dysfunction. Typically, this surgical intervention is performed in cases of aortic valve insufficiency, provided there is no calcification present. This allows cardiac surgeons to preserve the patient's own valve tissues, which ensures its natural shape and physiological hemodynamics.

Diagnostics

Preoperative diagnostics are conducted at the "Dobrobut" Cardiac Surgery Center within one day and include:

• history taking and physical examination;
• echocardiography (ECHO); 
• electrocardiography (ECG); 
• coronary angiography (CAG);
• computed tomography (CT) of the body's vessels; 
• blood tests.

Symptoms that occur with impaired function of the aortic valve and warrant a visit to a cardiologist for heart diagnostics include: 

• shortness of breath during walking 
• heart murmurs
• chest pain during physical exertion
• poor tolerance of physical activity
• dizziness during physical exertion 
• swelling in the legs 
• fatigue and rapid tiredness

Preparation for Aortic Valve Surgery or Prosthesis

https://www.babliak.com/post/pamjatka_patsyjentu_plan_pidgorovky_do_operatsyji_na_sertsi 

How to Get a Consultation with a Cardiothoracic Surgeon

The doctors at the Cardiothoracic Center provide free consultations based on the results of your examinations: echocardiography (heart ultrasound), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and coronary angiography (CAG):

• contact the Cardiothoracic Center: +38 (067) 390-03-28 (Mon-Fri from 09:00 to 18:00);
• submit a request through the contact center: +38 (044) 495-28-88, +38 (050) 495-28-88, +38 (097) 495-28-88
• visit us at: 3 Idzykovskykh Family St., building 3, block B, room 452 (4th floor).