Aortic Valve Replacement By Amy Lemons RDSC 326 Winter 2006

What is it? Invasive operation done by Cardiothoracic surgeons Defective valve removed and replaced with tissue or mechanical valve. Used to treat stenosis and/or regurgitation of aortic valve

Valve Types

Indications Aortic Stenosis – Narrowing of the vessel Aortic Stenosis – Narrowing of the vessel Regurgitation – backflow of blood into the heart due to the improper closure of the valve Regurgitation – backflow of blood into the heart due to the improper closure of the valve Bacterial Endocarditis with splinter hemorrhages in nails Bacterial Endocarditis with splinter hemorrhages in nails

Signs and Symptoms of Stenosis/Valve Insufficiency Angina pectoris –chest pain Angina pectoris –chest pain Shortness of breath Shortness of breath Syncope Syncope Decrease in exercise tolerance Decrease in exercise tolerance Heart Attack if left untreated Heart Attack if left untreated Possible Death Possible Death

Diagnostic Tests Medical history Medical history Exercise treadmill test Exercise treadmill test Blood Tests Blood Tests Chest x-ray Chest x-ray Echocardiogram Echocardiogram Angiogram Angiogram Electrocardiogram Electrocardiogram

Replacement procedure

Procedure Cont…

Post Valve Replacement If valve is replaced with tissue, then regular checkups to monitor the valve If valve is replaced with tissue, then regular checkups to monitor the valve If replaced with mechanical valve, then a lifelong regimen of blood thinners If replaced with mechanical valve, then a lifelong regimen of blood thinners For both types of valve patient needs to be treated with prophylactic antibiotics before any surgery For both types of valve patient needs to be treated with prophylactic antibiotics before any surgery Regular exercise and healthy diet Regular exercise and healthy diet

Medical Breakthroughs Percutaneous Valve replacement Percutaneous Valve replacement Aortic Valve Bypass Aortic Valve Bypass !00% pure carbon mechanical valves with advanced features !00% pure carbon mechanical valves with advanced features