Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery

Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery is a complex medical procedure that involves the replacement of a diseased or damaged aortic valve with a new valve. The aortic valve regulates the flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta, which is then pumped throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to vital organs and tissues. However, when this valve is diseased or damaged, it can lead to reduced blood flow, which forces the heart to work harder, leading to various cardiac conditions.

Aortic valve replacement surgery is a highly effective treatment option that can lessen these issues and reduce the risk of complications such as heart failure and cardiac arrest. The success rate of aortic valve replacement surgery has lately risen from 94% to 97%. Aortic valve replacement surgery is of special importance as aortic valve disease becomes more common with age, affecting roughly 5% of the population at age 65 and increasing in prevalence with age.

Diseases that require Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery

The decision to opt for aortic valve replacement surgery is influenced by various factors, including the severity of the aortic valve disease, the patient’s age, and whether any other heart or valve issues need to be addressed.

Aortic Valve Regurgitation: This condition occurs when blood flows back into the heart’s main pumping chamber (left ventricle) due to a leaky or dysfunctional aortic valve. It is caused by congenital heart defects or damage to the valve over time.
Aortic Valve Stenosis: Aortic Valve Stenosis is a condition in which the aortic valve becomes narrow or blocked, making it difficult for the valve to open properly. This puts additional strain on the heart, causing it to work harder to pump blood into the aorta. The condition can be congenital or develop due to conditions like rheumatic fever.
Congenital Aortic Valve Defects: Congenital Aortic Valve Defects refer to abnormalities in the aortic valve that occur from birth. These defects can include a valve missing an opening, insufficient tissue flaps (cusps), or a valve that is the wrong size or shape.

Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms that may require Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery are:

Shortness of Breath: Aortic valve disease can cause shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.
Fatigue: The heart works harder to compensate for the malfunctioning valve, leading to fatigue and low energy.
Swelling in Your Legs: Impaired blood circulation can result in swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen.
Dizziness: Dizziness or lightheadedness can be caused due to the reduced blood flow to the brain.
Chest Pain: Chest pain or discomfort may occur due to the added strain on the heart and reduced oxygen supply to the heart muscle.
Passing Out: In severe cases, the compromised blood flow can lead to fainting or syncope.
Palpitations: Irregular heartbeats or palpitations can result from the heart’s effort to compensate for the aortic valve disease.
Unpleasant Awareness of Your Heartbeat: Some individuals may become more aware of their heartbeat, often experiencing a pounding or racing sensation in the chest.

Techniques used for Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery in India

Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery: This approach involves smaller incisions, which results in lesser pain and shorter hospital stays. It is a less invasive method for valve replacement.
Open Aortic Valve Surgery: In this traditional method, a larger chest incision is required, providing the surgeon with direct access to the heart. It is typically used in more complex cases.

Types of Treatments for Aortic Valve Disease in India

Aortic Valve Repair: Aortic Valve Repair is a surgical procedure that focuses on preserving as much natural valve tissue as possible while addressing the damaged or dysfunctional aspect. The surgeon fixes the faulty components to restore proper valve function. This is the preferred option when the damage is localized and doesn’t require a full valve replacement.
Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR): Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR) is another option where the damaged aortic valve is removed and replaced with a new one. The replacement valve can be either mechanical or biological.

- Mechanical Valves: Mechanical valves are made from materials like carbon, metal, or plastic, offering long-lasting durability. However, they carry a higher risk of blood clots, necessitating lifelong use of blood-thinning medications. Monitoring of medication levels is crucial to prevent clotting while avoiding excessive bleeding, especially after injuries.
- Biological Valves: Biological valves are sourced from animal tissue and have a lifespan of around 10-20 years. While not as durable as mechanical valves, they don’t pose the same clotting risks and eliminate the need for blood thinners.

Need for an Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery

Aortic valve replacement surgery is often required when aortic valve disease has progressed to the point where it significantly affects heart function, resulting in a variety of symptoms and health problems. Some of the primary reasons that may necessitate Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery are:

Older Age
Weakness in Body
Weaker Heart
Previous Heart Surgery
History of Stroke
Chronic Health Conditions
Previous Radiation Treatment
Porcelain Aorta

Procedure during Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery in India

Preparation: Before the surgery, different types of tests such as blood work, chest X-rays and an electrocardiogram (EKG) is conducted to evaluate your overall health. Your medications and supplements are reviewed, and you may be asked to stop taking certain medications.
Anesthesia: Anesthesia will be administered to ensure that you are asleep and pain-free during the procedure.
Incision: An incision will be made depending on the surgical approach. In traditional open-heart surgery, a 6- to 8-inch incision is made down the center of your chest. In minimally invasive surgery, smaller 2- to 4-inch incisions are made, typically involving a “J” incision.
Heart-Lung Machine: If you are undergoing traditional open-heart surgery, you will be connected to a heart-lung machine that temporarily takes over the functions of your heart and lungs.
Valve Replacement or Repair: The surgeon will repair or replace the aortic valve using various techniques. For valve replacement, the diseased valve is removed and replaced with a mechanical or biological valve, which can be made from cow, pig, human heart tissue, or your lung (pulmonary) valve in some cases. For valve repair, various techniques are used to address valve issues such as reshaping, separating fused leaflets, or repairing torn leaflets.
Heart Restart: Once the valve repair or replacement is complete, your heart is restarted. The heart-lung machine is disconnected, and your heart is shocked with small paddles to restore its natural rhythm.
Closure: Finally, the surgeon wires your breastbone back together, closes your chest incision with sutures or staples, and applies a sterile bandage or dressing.

Risks Associated with Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery in India

Some of the potential risks associated with Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery include:

Bleeding: Surgical procedures involving incisions have a risk of bleeding during and after surgery, despite measures taken to control it.
Blood Clots: Blood clots can form during or after surgery, and if they move to critical areas such as the lungs, they can lead to serious complications.
Failure of Replacement Valve: Replacement valve failure is a possibility, which may require further surgical interventions.
Heart Rhythm Problems (Arrhythmias): Surgery can disrupt the heart’s normal rhythm, which may lead to arrhythmias that need to be managed.
Infection: Surgical sites are susceptible to infections, which can pose significant risks to the patient’s recovery and overall health.
Stroke: There is a risk of stroke during or after the surgery, which can have severe consequences.

Success Rate of Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery in India

Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery is a procedure with a high success rate with an approximate success rate of 94-97%. The choice between mechanical and biological valves depends on individual factors such as age and lifestyle preferences. The use of minimally invasive techniques has made the procedure safer, reducing hospital stays and post-operative pain. The key to success lies in the surgical expertise of the top doctors for aortic valve replacement surgery.

Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery Cost in India

Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery in India is significantly cheaper than in developed countries like the US. Aortic valve replacement surgery cost in India ranges from approximately INR 2, 90,000 ($3500) to INR 5, 75,000 ($7000), which is only a fraction of the cost of the same surgery abroad. The individual diagnosis, patient condition, and chosen hospital may affect the specific cost. However, patients find the Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery Cost in India is roughly half or even less than in developed nations.

Best Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery Hospitals in India

India has some of the best hospitals for Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery. These hospitals are well-known for their cutting-edge technology, skilled medical staff, and excellent results. These hospitals focus greatly on patient care and provide a comprehensive range of cardiac services, including Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery.

Medanta – The Medicity – Gurgaon, India
Apollo Hospital Chennai – Chennai, India
Marengo Asia Hospital – Gurgaon, India
Artemis Hospital – Gurgaon, India
Fortis Memorial Research Institute – Gurgaon, India
Sanar International Hospital – Gurgaon, India
BLK Super Speciality Hospital – New Delhi, India
Max Super Specialty Hospital Saket – New Delhi, India
Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals – New Delhi, India

Top Aortic Valve Replacement Surgeons in India

India has a qualified and experienced team of Aortic Valve Replacement Surgeons who are renowned globally for their competence. These aortic valve replacement surgeons in India have conducted a large number of successful surgeries and have earned a reputation for excellence. Patients from all over the world come to consult these top Aortic Valve Replacement Surgeons in India because of their unwavering dedication to providing high-quality care and extended track record of successful procedures.