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Maryland Heart Center

Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery

Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery | Aortic Valve Overview | Aortic Stenosis | Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement | Aortic Facts | Aortic Valve Repair | Aortic Valve Bypass | The Ross Procedure | Aortic Valve Replacement | FAQ | Aortic Valve Surgery 101 | Patient Success Stories | Surgical Webcast | Clinical Trial for PARTNER II | PARTNER II Trial: Referring Physician Information

Aortic Valve Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

 

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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.

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Below are answers to frequently asked questions about aortic valve surgery. Click on any of the questions below, or scroll down to read all the quesions and answers.

For more information about whether you're a candidate for one of our minimally invasive aortic valve procedures or to schedule a consult, please call 410-328-5842.

 

 

  1. Am I too old to have aortic valve surgery?

    We have operated successfully on patients in the 80’s and 90’s. Each patient is evaluated individually to determine if they are eligible for the procedure.

  2. How do I know if I am a candidate for the minimal access aortic valve procedure?

    Most patients are eligible for one of our minimal access surgical approaches. The decision for this is made based on the problem with your valve, your medical condition, your surgeon’s opinion, and your wishes.

  3. How will I know when I need surgery for aortic stenosis or aortic insufficiency (regurgitation)?

    Your cardiologist should evaluate you with echocardiograms. He/she will guide you in determining when surgical intervention is appropriate.

  4. Is it possible for you to fix my aortic valve rather than replace it?

    If you have aortic stenosis, you have a narrowing of the valve, and at this time, this cannot be fixed surgically. You would need a valve replacement. If you have aortic insufficiency, you may be eligible for primary valve repair. Some patients have a condition where their aorta is dilated (enlarged) and in this case, you may be a candidate for a procedure which replaces the enlarged portion of your aorta and resuspends your valve (see valve sparing procedures). In either case, your own valve would be preserved.

  5. Is is possible to have aortic stenosis or aortic insufficiency and not have symptoms?

    Often times, the symptoms can be subtle. You should take the advice of your cardiologist and see a surgeon if that his his/her recommendation.

  6. What information do you need to be able to evaluate me for aortic valve surgery?

    We would need your complete medical and surgical history. We would need to see the video of your most recent echocardiogram. If you are over 40, or have risk factors for coronary artery disease, you will need to have a cardiac catheterization to determine if you need coronary artery bypass in addition to your valve surgery.

  7. My cardiologist is recommending a mechanical valve replacement for me, but I do not want to be on coumadin (blood thinner) for life. Is a bioprosthetic (tissue) valve appropriate for me?

    We are using bioprosthetic (tissue) valves in most of our aortic valve surgeries, even for younger patients. The decision about the valve type will be made by you and your surgeon when you are evaluated for the procedure.

  8. Is there a center closer to my home town that can do the same procedures as you do at the University of Maryland?

    We can only discuss our experience in this area with you. If you are interested in another center, or the center’s experience in the area, you will need to contact them directly by phone or their web site.

  9. Can I have a catheter based approach to replacing my aortic valve?

    This procedure is not currently available in the US. New procedures are in development, and we intend to offer these procedures when they are as safe as our current surgical options.

For more information or to schedule a consult, please call 410-328-5842.


Please call if you would like to make an appointment or talk to someone about our services. Patients dial 1-866-408-6885, physicians dial 410-328-6622 or 1-800-318-1019.