Aortic Valve Replacement
As one of the highest-volume surgical programs in the country, Nancy &
Bill Thompson Heart Valve Center’s
expert cardiac surgery team is well-versed in the full array of aortic valve surgical options, including
complex surgical procedures not available at other centers. In addition,
the team has received multiple cardiovascular surgery awards, including
being named among the top heart surgery practices in the nation.
The best option for treating valve disease is to repair the damaged valve.
However, in cases where a valve is badly damaged,
aortic valve repair may not be an option. In this case, valve replacement may be performed.
The following are some of the advanced surgical options available at Hoag
for aortic valve replacement:
Conventional Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery
During aortic valve replacement surgery, the damaged valve is removed and
replaced with an artificial valve called a prosthetic valve. With advances
in modern surgical techniques, cardiac surgeons now have multiple methods
to replace the aortic valve using innovative new prosthetic options. Three
of these options include: homograft aortic valves (from a human donor),
mechanical aortic valve replacement, and stentless aortic valve replacement.
Each valve type has certain advantages and disadvantages, and the decision
to use a certain type of valve is made after a discussion and careful
evaluation of a patient’s lifestyle, age, medical history and other factors.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement TAVR
For some patients with aortic valve disease, conventional surgery is not
an option. The good news is Hoag is the first and only center in Orange
County to offer a ground-breaking minimally-invasive procedure for individuals
who need aortic valve replacement called Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
TAVR. This revolutionary non-surgical option utilizes a catheter to replace
the damaged aortic valve.
Bentall with Bioprosthesis or Prosthesis
Bentall with Bioprosthesis is a replacement of the aortic valve, root and
the entire ascending aorta, utilizing a graft. Then the coronary arteries
are implanted in the graft using aortic buttons. This procedure is typically
required in severe connective tissue disorders such as the Marfan syndrome.
It is also indicated whenever there is a combined dilation of the aortic
root and annulus, as well as the ascending aorta.
Porcine Root Replacement (Freestyle)
During a Porcine Root Replacement, the aortic root is replaced with a preserved
pig aorta. The porcine root is not long enough to address the ascending
aorta. Therefore, a graft is required for replacement of the ascending
aorta. This can be a reasonable replacement for the same indications as
a homograft, as well as for a replacement of a short segment of aorta
(aortic root).
Valve Repair Versus Replacement
Repairing versus replacing the aortic valve is determined by a number of
factors, such as anatomy of the valve and the degree of its disease. In
feasible cases, some repaired valves could last ten plus years, and potentially
though the rest a of a person’s lifetime. However, when a valve
is not projected to last that long, a replacement approach will be used.
Hoag's Top Rated Valvular Heart Disease Program
Nancy & Bill Thompson Heart Valve Center is one of a handful of clinics
nationwide dedicated to state-of-the-art screening, diagnosis and treatment
of valvular heart disease. Learn more about Hoag’s top rated valvular
heart disease program:
Hoag’s world-renowned valvular heart disease program continues to
lead the way in advanced cardiac care. To schedule an appointment, or
for more information, call us at949-764-8258.