Aortic Valve Surgery

The blood passes through 4 cardiac valves before it is transferred to the body. These valves are Tricuspid, Pulmonary, Mitral and Aortic Valves.

After lungs clean the blood and it becomes oxygenic, it passes through these 4 cavities, it goes into main artery which is called aorta through aortic valve and it is transferred to the entire body.

What are the duties of Cardiac Valves?

When the heart contracts for pumping, cardiac valves are opened which allows blood flow. Between heart beats they are closed immediately to prevent blood return. If something goes wrong about this regular system, heart’s pumping function is going to collapse. Tricuspid valve is situated between right atrium and right ventricle. Pulmonary valve is between right ventricle and lung artery. Mitral valve is placed between left atrium and left ventricle. Aortic Valve, on the other hand, is situated between left ventricle and aorta (main artery). It mediates blood flow from the heart to the all organs.

Aortic Valve Diseases

Diseases such as fever due to rheumatic diseases at young ages, congenital or age-related valve diseases are mostly seen in Mitral and Aortic valves.They are less seen in Pulmonary and Tricuspid valves. Degenerative (dependent on aging) cardiac valve diseases are mostly seen as Aortic Valve Stenosis and Mitral Valve Insufficiency. Aortic Valve Stenosis risk increases over the age of 70.

Severe Aortic Stenosis

Severe Aortic stenosis is the calcification of aortic valve. This makes it become deformed and as a result, it contracts to the highest degree and it cannot relax. This means, while heart pumps the blood to the entire body, it forces the blood to pass through a tightened valve. Cardiac muscle becomes tense. This situation causes cardiac muscle to thicken and after some time, it weakens and becomes insufficient to function. This situation destroys one’s health, limits movements and it is called Cardiac Insufficiency. Stenosis in the valve and insufficiency of the heart are risky cases and they may become life-threatening.

What causes Aortic Stenosis?

It occurs with aging and calcification on the aortic valve which generally result in valve stenosis and limitations of movement. Rheumatic fever, radiotherapy, high cholesterol are some reasons that eases the way of the disease.

What are the complaints of Aortic Stenosis?

Thoracic pain, chest tightness, fainting, imbalance, weakness, shortness of breath and tachycardia may occur because of a stimulant.

How Aortic Stenosis is diagnosed?

With examinations, planned upon patient complaints, when doctor realizes heart murmur and plans echocardiography after pre-examinations and with cardiac catheterization if needed and angiography, final diagnosis can be made.

How is Aortic Stenosis treated?

Prof. Tayfun Aybek, MD. and his team performs stenotic aorta surgeries through various surgical methods. Besides mechanical and biological valve replacements, for appropriate cases, they perform eustachian method in which aortic valve is replaced with patients’ own pericard. Aortic valve surgeries are performed through minimally invasive method by Prof. Tayfun Aybek, MD. and his team.