Aortic Valve Surgery

Services

Understanding
Aortic Valve Surgery

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery & Open Heart Surgery

The aortic valve, located at the exit of the left heart chamber, plays a crucial role in ensuring blood flows efficiently from the heart into the aorta. Over time, this valve can become damaged, leading to aortic valve stenosis (blockage) or aortic valve regurgitation (leakage). When these conditions are advanced, valve replacement becomes necessary.

Approaches

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

  • Involves partially opening the chest bone.
  • Offers excellent access to the heart and great vessels.
  • Results in faster recovery and better cosmetic outcomes.
  • A 4-6 cm incision between the 2nd and 3rd ribs without touching the chest bone.
  • Favoured by patients for its minimal invasiveness.
  • Suitable for patients with singular aortic valve problems, provided they meet specific anatomical criteria determined by a CT scan.
  • Performed through a tiny incision (3-5 cm) without cutting or mobilising any bone.
  • Utilises an endoscopic camera for enhanced precision.

Open Heart Surgery

  • Involves a vertical incision along the chest to open the chest bone.
  • Provides the surgeon with a direct and unobstructed view of the heart and aortic valve.
  • Allows for comprehensive treatment of complex heart conditions that may not be suitable for minimally invasive techniques.

CONDITIONS WE TREAT

(Adj) Professor Theo Kofidis assesses and treats aortic valve disease, including aortic stenosis (a narrowed valve), aortic regurgitation (a leaking valve), and bicuspid aortic valve. Depending on the cause and severity, treatment may involve aortic valve replacement with a mechanical or tissue valve, or aortic valve repair in selected patients where the valve can be preserved. Where clinically appropriate, aortic valve surgery may be performed through minimally invasive access using a smaller incision, rather than a full sternotomy. Aortic valve disease may also occur alongside other heart conditions, such as mitral valve disease, coronary artery disease, or an enlarged aorta (aortic aneurysm), and these may be treated in the same operation

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

  • Aortic Valve Stenosis (Narrowing of The Aortic Valve)
  • Aortic Valve Regurgitation (Leaking of The Aortic Valve)
  • Combined Heart Conditions Requiring Surgical Intervention

Open Heart Surgery

  • Aortic Valve Stenosis (Narrowing of The Aortic Valve)
  • Aortic Valve Regurgitation (Leaking of The Aortic Valve)
  • Combined Heart Conditions Requiring Simultaneous Surgical Intervention (E.g. Heart Valve & Bypass Surgery At The Same Time)
  • Complex Anatomical Considerations That Preclude Minimally Invasive Options

What to expect

Minimally Invasive & Open Heart

  • Thorough assessment including medical history, physical examination, and advanced imaging (e.g., echocardiogram, CT scan) to determine suitability for minimally invasive techniques.
  • Consultation with (Adj) Professor Theo Kofidis to discuss minimally invasive & open heart options, their potential benefits & risks, and if patient qualifies for minimally invasive surgery.

Minimally Invasive

  • General anaesthesia is administered.
  • Precise repair or replacement of the aortic valve through small incisions, minimising trauma to surrounding tissues.
  • Advanced technologies like Sutureless Aortic Valves (Perceval) and Cor-Knot Device (automated knot tying device) may be utilised for enhanced precision and efficiency.

Open Heart

  • General anaesthesia is administered.
  • Aortic valve repair or replacement performed through the open heart approach, involving opening the chest cavity.
  • Application of advanced surgical methods to ensure accurate procedure execution and optimal outcomes.

Minimally Invasive

  • Usually 1 day in ICU & 3-4 days in general ward.
  • Faster mobilisation and return to daily activities.
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and overall cardiac health.

Open Heart

  • Usually 2 days in ICU & 5-7 days in general ward.
  • Slower mobilisation while in recovery.
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and overall cardiac health.

Benefits

Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

Less pain & quicker recovery period.
Results in smaller scars that are less visible.
Regain strength and mobility faster, allowing you to resume normal activities sooner.
Smaller incisions reduce the risk of post-surgical infections, leading to safer recovery.
Minimises blood loss, decreasing the need for transfusions.
Reduced physical trauma to the body facilitates quicker healing and less post-operative pain.

Lowers the likelihood of irregular heartbeats, enhancing overall cardiac stability post-surgery.

Preserving chest structure promotes improved lung function and breathing capacity shortly after surgery.

Smaller incisions result in less visible scarring, maintaining a more natural appearance.

Open Heart Surgery

In cases where the heart anatomy is complex or the valves are severely diseased, open heart surgery may offer a more reliable option for complete valve repair or replacement.