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Exit only
Beat by beat, blood leaves the heart via the
one-way aortic valve. But problems can
occur with this valve:
n
Regurgitation:
The valve doesn’t open
and close properly, so it leaks even
when closed.
n
Stenosis:
A narrowed valve makes it
difficult for blood to be pumped through.
“The heart has to work much harder,”
says cardiothoracic surgeon Andreas
replacement
We often like to think about
finding a way to someone’s
heart. But when it comes
to the blood that nourishes
your body, finding a way out
of your heart matters just as
much. And that’s the job of
your aortic valve. Simply put,
an ailing heart valve can cause
big trouble. Some can even
be life-threatening. Replacing
one is often the best option.
Fortunately, even the toughest
cases aren’t a problem at
Adventist Heart Institute.
Sakopoulos, MD, FACS, of Adventist Heart
Institute. “You can be born with an aortic
valve defect. Or you can have a bad valve
because of infections or aging. Over time,
the strain can even lead to heart failure.
Some people might start to notice chest
pain, shortness of breath and fatigue,”
he adds.
Installing a new valve
Many heart problems can be managed with
medicines. Other types of heart valves can
often be repaired. But a damaged aortic
valve often must be replaced. “No medicines
can fix that,” Dr. Sakopoulos says.
That used to mean splitting the chest bone,
or sternum, to access the heart. While
there’s still a place for traditional surgery, a
mini-sternotomy can be an option. In this
procedure, the surgeon removes the old
valve through a 6-centimeter opening in
the sternum and sews a new tissue valve,
mechanical valve or homograft in its place.
With less tissue trauma, scars are also
smaller, which some people find important.
“There is the ability to make a smaller
incision that can be more comfortable
and lead to a quicker recovery,” says
Dr. Sakopoulos, who is recognized by his
peers and has been published in medical
journals on this topic. In still another
method, the valve is replaced through small
incisions in the side of the ribcage.
The height of heart care
Replacing a bad heart valve is one thing.
But what if your case is also complicated
by, say, infection or a need for multiple heart
bypasses? The Adventist Heart Institute has
experienced physicians and surgeons who
often tackle the most difficult cases.
Aortic valve
Surgery can save your life
To learn more about aortic
valve replacement, contact us at
888.529.9018. Or visit our website
at
.
We’ve done a lot of the more
complex operations. For
your heart’s sake, that’s
good to know.
“
“
Andreas
Sakopoulos,
MD, FACS,
Cardiothoracic
Surgeon
