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In an aortic valve replacement, the aortic valve is replaced with a man-made valve or a tissue valve from an animal heart. This eMedTV article takes a detailed look at what aortic valve replacement entails and discusses possible complications.
As this eMedTV segment explains, reasons for an aortic valve replacement may involve relieving symptoms caused by a defective aortic valve, such as fainting and fatigue. Reasons for an aortic valve replacement may also include avoiding lung problems.
Types of aortic valve replacements include mechanical valves and tissue valves. As this portion of the eMedTV archives explains, there are advantages and disadvantages associated with both types of aortic valve replacements.
As this eMedTV resource explains, instruments used for aortic valve replacement include a heart-bypass machine and the new aortic valve placed into the heart during the surgery. The new aortic valve may be man-made or come from an animal.
Preparing for aortic valve replacement involves telling your doctor about any medications you may be taking. This eMedTV article provides guidelines for preparing for aortic valve replacement surgery, such as stopping use of tobacco products.
On the day of aortic valve replacement surgery, the person having surgery will have a catheter inserted into his or her bladder. This eMedTV resource provides additional details about what to expect on the day of aortic valve replacement surgery.
For people about to undergo aortic valve replacement surgery, moving to the operating room can be stressful. This eMedTV site provides information about what to expect to see and hear in the operating room prior to aortic valve replacement surgery.
The most commonly used anesthesia for aortic valve replacement is general anesthesia. This section of the eMedTV library discusses how anesthesia is administered for aortic valve replacement surgery.
Aortic valve replacement surgery involves a heart-lung bypass machine, which provides oxygen to the blood during the procedure. This eMedTV article offers a detailed description of the steps involved in aortic valve replacement surgery.
Most people spend 24 to 48 hours in the intensive care unit after aortic valve replacement surgery. This eMedTV resource describes in detail what to expect after aortic valve replacement surgery.
In most cases, aortic valve replacement expectations are for a fairly quick recovery and improved symptoms. But as this eMedTV article explains, aortic valve replacement expectations vary, depending on factors such as your overall health.
As this eMedTV article explains, life expectancy after aortic valve replacement depends on which type of valve was used to replace the aortic valve. This Web page also contains statistics about life expectancy following aortic valve replacement surgery.
Examples of minor aortic valve replacement complications include nausea and vomiting and allergic skin reactions. This eMedTV resource also describes major complications of aortic valve replacement, such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.
Alternatives to aortic valve replacement surgery include taking prescription medications. As this eMedTV page points out, alternatives to aortic valve replacement surgery may only treat the symptoms of valve problems rather than the cause.
This eMedTV resource provides statistics that may help you to know what to expect without the aortic valve replacement surgery. When considering what to expect without the aortic valve replacement, you should discuss your concerns with your doctor.
Study of diabetics and aortic valve replacement surgery has determined that people with diabetes face a higher risk of complications. This eMedTV article provides advice for diabetics who are going to have aortic valve replacement surgery.
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