Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by
What is an aortic valve?
One of your heart’s four valves is the aortic valve. And it links you to:
- The heart’s left ventricle is the chamber responsible for pumping blood throughout the body.
- The aorta is the main artery leaving the heart.
The aortic valve is semilunar, one of two in your body. The ventricles (lower chambers) of your heart are connected to the arteries via semilunar valves. The crescent form of the valve’s flaps is where the name “semilunar” comes from.
What is the function of the aortic valve?
Blood is able to flow freely from the left ventricle to the aorta when the aortic valve opens. Closing prevents blood from flowing backward. The aortic valve is closed to prevent blood from flowing backward into the heart.
How does an aortic valve work with the rest of the body?
The aortic valve is an important part of the heart that controls blood flow. A sequence of events occurs as blood travels through your heart:
- Blood is drained from the body and pumped to the lungs via the right side of the heart.
- With the help of your lungs, oxygenated blood is replenished and recirculated to your heart’s left ventricle.
- When your aortic valve opens, blood can flow freely from your left ventricle to your aorta.
- The aorta is responsible for distributing oxygenated blood to the rest of your body.
The various conditions that can affect an aortic valve:
Aortic valve regurgitation:
The aortic valve is responsible for the reversal of blood flow into the heart’s main pumping chamber (left ventricle). Regurgitation of the aortic valve may occur because of a damaged or faulty valve. Regurgitation can be caused by any situation compromising the aortic valve’s integrity. It can occur at birth if the aortic valve is not formed correctly. This is a congenital cardiac abnormality.
Aortic valve stenosis:
A narrowing or blockage of the aortic valve. The valve doesn’t open very quickly. In order to get blood into the aorta, the heart has to work harder. Congenital cardiac defects have been linked to aortic valve stenosis (congenital heart defect). Inflammation of a heart valve caused by a virus called rheumatic fever is a severe medical concern (rheumatic heart disease).
Additional congenital cardiac abnormalities involving the aortic valve at birth:
Occasionally, infants are born with incomplete aortic valves, meaning that they lack a valve opening or have insufficient tissue flaps to allow blood to flow normally (cusps). The incorrect size or shape of the valve may also be the result of a congenital heart abnormality.
When should an aortic valve be replaced?
There are two possible causes for aortic valve replacement: Reduced valve opening (aortic stenosis) prevents blood from freely flowing from the heart. Aortic regurgitation occurs when the valve is defective and causes blood to leak back into the heart from the aorta. Reach out to the best cardiac surgeon in Coimbatore in case you are looking to undergo treatment in Coimbatore.
The types of valves used for aortic valve replacement:
Mechanical valves:
Consist solely of mechanical components, generally well-accepted by the human body. Commonly used valve types include bi-leaflets. Two pyrolite carbon leaflets (diamond-like properties) are encased in a polyester knit fabric ring.
Biological valves:
Tissue valves, also known as bioprosthetic valves, are constructed primarily of biological tissue, with the possibility of including artificial components for reinforcement and facilitating implantation through a surgical stitch. Porcine (pig) and bovine (cow) pericardial (heart) tissues are commonly used to create biological valves.
A homograft:
Allografts are aortic or pulmonic valves taken from a human donor heart, treated with antibiotics, and frozen in a sterile environment. When the aortic root is damaged, or endocarditis (infection) is present, homografts are the best choice for heart valve replacement.
The intensity of symptoms and other factors, such as age and the use of blood thinners, can influence the choice of valve.
The various procedures that are involved in aortic valve disease treatment:
Traditional open cardiac valve surgery, minimally invasive aortic valve replacement and TAVR are all viable options for fixing a malfunctioning aortic valve.
Traditional aortic valve surgery:
Includes a 6- to 8-inch incision made by the surgeon right in the middle of the sternum (breastbone). The sternum may be cut in half or completely to expose the heart. If one or more heart valves are faulty, a surgeon will either repair them or replace them.
Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement surgery:
A procedure that typically requires incisions between 2 and 4 inches in size. Bleeding, injuries and hospital stays could all be minimized as a result. Most people have this option, but consult the best surgeon for aortic valve replacement, who needs to look over your diagnostics to ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure.
TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement):
It is a minimally invasive treatment that involves placing a tiny tube (a catheter) within a blood vessel, most often the femoral artery close to the groin. A replacement aortic valve can be implanted in place of aging or constricted by threading the catheter to the heart. Most patients in need of therapy for their aortic stenosis can consider transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
The aortic valve is one of four primary heart valves. When the heart’s left ventricle contracts, blood can flow freely into the aorta. The valves maintain the one-way nature of blood flow through the heart’s heart. Many cardiac diseases can impact the aortic valve. If the symptoms worsen, your doctor may suggest repairing or replacing your aortic valve surgically.
Modifying your routine can have a positive effect on your heart health. If your heart health is a worry, reach out to the top hospitals for aortic valve replacement to ensure your cardiac health is safe.
