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Heart & Blood Guide

Christine Jeffries

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ask: how is the surgery for stenosis of aortic valve preformed?

By suebee December 18, 2009 - 2:15pm
 
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Need surgery next year for this problem.

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Susan Cody HERWriter Guide

Dear suebee

Thanks so much for your question!

For those unfamilair with this condition, Empowher describes it as "a narrowing of the aortic valve in the heart. This valve is located between the left ventricle (lower pumping chamber) and the aorta. The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It transports blood from the heart throughout the body. The aortic valve has three cusps, or flaps, that control the direction and flow of the blood. Aortic stenosis causes obstruction or blockage of blood flow through this valve."

Surgery for this condition has a few options :

Balloon Valvuloplasty

A balloon device is passed through the arteries to open or enlarge the stenotic aortic valve. This may provide temporary relief of symptoms. However, since the valve can become blocked again, this treatment is not a permanent solution.
Aortic Valve Replacement

This is the surgical replacement of a defective heart valve. Currently, there are two types of replacement valves used:

* Bioprostheses—These valves are made from animals such as cows or pigs, and may last about 10-15 years. Blood-thinning medication is usually not needed with this type of valve.
* Mechanical prostheses—These synthetic valves are more durable, and may last for 20–40 years. However, you will be required to take blood-thinning medication for the rest of your life to prevent blood clots.

Additionally :

Aortic stenosis cannot be prevented. However, if you have AS, there are several things you can do to try to avoid some of the complications:

* Get regular medical care, including checkups and periodic electrocardiograms.
* Take antibiotics before any dental cleaning, dental work, or other invasive procedures. This will help prevent infection of the heart valve.
* If your valve problem was caused by rheumatic fever, talk to your doctor about antibiotic treatment to prevent future episodes of rheumatic fever.

For more information, head to our Aortic Stenosis page here : http://www.empowher.com/media/reference/aortic-stenosis#definition

We wish you the very best with whatever you decide. Have you discussed your surgical options with your doctors/surgeon? What are they recommending?

December 18, 2009 - 2:40pm
suebee (reply to Susan Cody)

The doctors are recommending the bioprostheses. After reading your reply to my question,I believe I will go with the bioprostheses. As a matter of fact I think that's my only option. It doesn't make much sense to have the balloon thing, just to have to surgery anyway.
thanks for your quick reply.

December 19, 2009 - 8:03am
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