Aortic valve replacement

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive procedure to replace a narrowed aortic valve that fails to open properly (aortic valve stenosis). In this procedure, doctors insert a catheter in your leg or chest and guide it to your heart.

1. What is the success rate of aortic valve replacement surgery?
2. How serious is an aortic valve replacement?
3. What is the life expectancy after aortic valve replacement?
4. Is a heart valve replacement major surgery?
5. What are the signs of a bad heart valve?
6. Which heart valve is the most difficult to replace?
7. What happens if aortic valve is not replaced?
8. What is the best heart valve replacement?
9. Do you feel better after heart valve replacement?
10. Can an aortic valve be replaced twice?
11. Do you have to take blood thinners after valve replacement?
12. How much does aortic valve replacement cost?

What is the success rate of aortic valve replacement surgery?

A recent study found that aortic valve replacement surgery has a 94 percent five-year survival rate.

How serious is an aortic valve replacement?

An aortic valve replacement is a major operation and occasionally the complications can be fatal. Overall, the risk of dying as a result of the procedure is estimated to be 1 to 3%. But this risk is far lower than the risk associated with leaving severe aortic disease untreated.

What is the life expectancy after aortic valve replacement?

The life expectancy after valve replacement varies with age, but life-table analyses of large datasets suggest the average life-expectancy of a 60 year old after aortic valve replacement is about 12 years¹⁰.

Is a heart valve replacement major surgery?

Heart valve surgery is open-heart surgery through the breastbone, into the chest. It is a major operation that can last two hours or longer and recovery often takes several weeks.

What are the signs of a bad heart valve?

Some physical signs of heart valve disease can include:

• Chest pain or palpitations (rapid rhythms or skips)
• Shortness of breath, difficulty catching your breath, fatigue, weakness, or inability to maintain regular activity level.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Swollen ankles, feet or abdomen.

Which heart valve is the most difficult to replace?

Aortic valve stenosis is a defect that narrows or obstructs the aortic valve opening, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood into the body's main artery (aorta).

What happens if aortic valve is not replaced?

Aortic Valve Problems

Or, it could be from wear and tear over the years, or because of another health condition, like a heart infection. Those problems can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, and other symptoms. If you don't get the valve replaced, it can be life-threatening.

What is the best heart valve replacement?

Aortic valve repair has excellent long-term results in appropriate patients with leaking valves. There are two main types of heart replacement valves to choose from — mechanical and biological.

Do you feel better after heart valve replacement?

You'll likely begin to feel better almost right away. Your condition will improve gradually, and you'll notice that each day you'll feel a little bit better. However, you'll have to make some lifestyle adjustments to get the most out of your new or repaired heart valve.

Can an aortic valve be replaced twice?

Conclusions—This study shows that a second aortic valve homograft replacement results in good early and long-term survival. Accelerated degeneration does not occur.

Do you have to take blood thinners after valve replacement?

Mechanical valves usually last 20 years or more. You are less likely to need a mechanical valve replaced in your lifetime. But they can cause blood clots, so you'll take a blood thinner called warfarin (such as Coumadin). Tissue valves are less likely to cause blood clots, so you don't have to take warfarin.

How much does aortic valve replacement cost?

TAVR devices typically cost about $32,000, compared with surgical valves that average between $4,000 and $7,000, said Dr. Lars Svensson, director of quality and process improvement in the Cleveland Clinic's department of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery.