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 was the first 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 the anatomy of the valve and the degree of its disease. In feasible cases, some repaired valves could last ten plus years, and potentially through the rest 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.