Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aortic Valve Replacement?

A surgical procedure done to replace the Aortic valve with an artificial mechanical or biological tissue valve is known as Aortic Valve Replacement(AVR). AVR surgery is done as a result of the dysfunction of aortic valve present in the aorta, which inhibits the backflow of oxygenated blood into the left ventricle. As a result of the aortic valve not working, the blood will backflow into the left ventricle, hence a sufficient amount of oxygenated blood is not pumped out of the left ventricle to the body organs.AVR is done in two different ways:

1. Open Surgery
2. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

What are the advantages of Aortic Valve Replacement?

The following are the advantages of Aortic Valve Replacement:

1. It helps in reducing the symptoms of Congenital heart defects.
2. Decreases the risk of recurrence of a heart attack.
3. Improves the life expectancy of an individual
4. Treatment for congenital heart conditions

What are the indications of Aortic Valve Replacement?

Aortic Valve Replacement is indicated in the following conditions:

1. Aortic Valve Leakage
2. Damage to the Aortic Valve
3. Congenital Defect in Aortic Valve

What are the steps involved in Aortic Valve Replacement?

1. General anesthesia will be given to avoid pain during the surgery.
2. The essential vital signs like blood pressure, the oxygen level will be monitored throughout the surgery.
3. An incision will be made in the middle of the chest by the surgeon and a cardiopulmonary bypass machine is connected which circulates oxygenated blood throughout the body.
4. A cooling technique will be used to lower the core body temperature. This technique helps in suspending the body's processes and making the heart surgery possible and helps in reducing the risk of heart or brain damage due to lack of oxygen.
5. The Aortic valve from the heart will be replaced with a suitable artificial valve and reconnected to the coronary arteries.
6. Once the necessary corrections are made, the incisions will be closed and dressed with sutures and bandages.
7. If transcatheter surgery is used, then a small incision is made through which a catheter is placed to replace the aortic valve and the incisions are closed after withdrawing the catheter.
   
   

Who are the best surgeons/doctors to perform Aortic Valve Replacement?

A certified and trained Heart surgeon and a Cardiologist who is well experienced in performing Aortic Valve Replacement.

What is the cost of Aortic Valve Replacement?

The minimum cost for Aortic Valve Replacement in Mumbai starts from Rs. 1,59,500

Average expenses for Aortic Valve Replacement in Mumbai is approximately Rs. 3,08,000

The maximum amount to be paid for Aortic Valve Replacement in Mumbai rises up to Rs. 4,55,400

Cost of Aortic Valve Replacement depends on factors such as:

1. Admission fee
2. Doctor fee
3. Age of the patient
4. Type of implants used
5. The medical condition of the patient
6. Post-surgical complications that are involved
7. Type of Hospital
8. The admission room that you opted for
9. Any other lab tests or examination tests such as X-ray, ECG, etc

Is Aortic Valve Replacement a major surgery or minor surgery?

Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery is major surgery as it involves surgical incisions in the chest region and replacement of the damaged or diseased aortic valve in the heart with suitable grafts.

What are the risks and complications associated with Aortic Valve Replacement?

Few of the risks and complications associated with Aortic Valve Replacement are:

1. Bleeding
2. Abnormal or irregular heart rhythm
3. Infections
4. Lungs or kidney diseases
5. Formation of blood clots
6. Valve Dysfunction
7. Stroke
8. Damage to neighboring blood vessels
9. Edema (Fluid collected in legs and feet)

How long does it take to complete Aortic Valve Replacement?

Aortic Valve Replacement may take up to 1 to 2 hours to complete.

What is the recovery time for Aortic Valve Replacement?

Individuals who had undergone Aortic Valve Replacement may take 4-6 weeks to recover completely.

What is the success rate of Aortic Valve Replacement?

The success rate of Aortic Valve Replacement depends on the following factors: 

1. Age of the patient
2. The medical condition of the patient
3. Experience of the surgeon
4. Type of valve to be replaced with

However, the success rate of Aortic Valve Replacement maybe 90-94%.

Is Aortic Valve Replacement permanent?

Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery is a permanent surgery which involves the incision of the chest and surgical correction of the heart valves to increase the overall quality and life expectancy of the patient.

Can Aortic Valve Replacement be detected in the future?

Aortic Valve Replacement can be detected in the future with physical examination (surgical scars on the chest) or other screening and imaging tests.

What are the options if Aortic Valve Replacement fails?

If Aortic Valve Replacement fails, then the doctor may recommend revision surgery.