St Vincents Private Hospitals

Aortic valve replacement is a type of open-heart surgery that is used to treat problems with the aortic heart valve. The aortic valve is responsible for transporting blood around your body. If it is not working effectively as a result of age, damage or disease, this can place additional pressure on your heart which over time can lead to heart damage and painful symptoms. If you have a diseased aortic valve, your doctor may recommend aortic valve replacement surgery to replace the faulty valve with an artificial alternative, and protect your heart health for the future. 

What does it do?

Aortic valve replacement surgery removes a faulty or diseased aortic valve and replaces it with an artificial part that is usually made from synthetic material or animal tissue. When the aortic valve is not functioning properly as a result of aortic valve disease, the impact on your heart can lead to life-threatening heart damage. Replacing the aortic valve can protect your heart function and improve your quality of life. It is typically performed as open-heart surgery, but in some cases it may be performed as a minimally invasive procedure known as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI).

How does it work?

Aortic valve replacement surgery removes a faulty aortic valve and replaces it with an artificial part. This procedure is an effective way to treat aortic valve disease, improve heart function and reduce the risk of heart-related health complications such as heart failure and stroke. The type of surgery performed will depend on the severity of the condition and the health of the patient coming into the procedure. It is generally performed as open-heart surgery or as a minimally invasive procedure (TAVI). Your doctor will talk to you about the most suitable approach for your condition.