Print this page
 Email this page

 Connect with UMMC on:
 Blog
 Twitter
 Facebook
 YouTube
iPhone

 Share this page:

Bookmark and Share

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

 

Ask the Expert

Dr. Brown’s Bio Image

Get answers to your Aortic Valve Surgery questions.

Dr. Brown’s Bio | Q&A Archive

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis or individual treatment advice via e-mail. Please consult your physician about your specific health care concerns.

Video details

[ Flash player icon ] Please install flash player to see this video.

Related Content


 

Aortic valve surgery - open - Risks

Alternative Names

Aortic valve replacement; Aortic valvuloplasty; Aortic valve repair; Replacement - aortic valve; Repair - aortic valve; Ring annuloplasty - aortic valve

Risks:

Risks for any anesthesia are:

  • Reactions to medicines
  • Breathing problems
  • Blood clots in the legs that may travel to the lungs
  • Infection, including in the lungs, kidneys, bladder, chest, or heart valves
  • Blood loss

Possible risks from having open heart surgery are:

  • Heart attack or stroke
  • Incision infection, which is more likely to occur in people who are obese, have diabetes, or have already had this surgery
  • Post-pericardiotomy syndrome, which is a low-grade fever and chest pain. This could last up to 6 months.
  • Memory loss and loss of mental clarity, or "fuzzy thinking."
  • Heart rhythm problems
  • Reviewed last on: 3/13/2009
  • Larry A. Weinrauch MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Cardiovascular Disease and Clinical Outcomes Research, Watertown, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Fullerton DA, Harken AH. Acquired heart disease: valvular. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 62.

Chiam PTL, Ruiz CE. Percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Evolution of the technology. American Heart Journal. Feb 2009;157(2).

Otoo CM, Bonow RO. Valvular heart disease. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 62.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com