Aortic Valve Repair or Replacement
The aortic valve is located at the exit of the left ventricle of the heart and regulates blood flow to the aorta, the largest artery. This valve is responsible for preventing the blood pumped by the heart from returning. Narrowing or insufficiency of the aortic valve may occur, in which case aortic valve repair or replacement is a treatment option.

Aortic Valve Stenosis and Insufficiency
Aortic valve stenosis can be a congenital or acquired disease. The most common congenital cause is a two-piece aortic valve when it should be a three-piece valve. In the later stages, the left ventricle may have to work harder to keep the blood flowing, leading to thickening of the muscle tissue and ultimately setting the stage for heart failure. Aortic valve insufficiency is usually asymptomatic for a long time. In the later stages, symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain and fainting may occur. These symptoms indicate an advanced stage of the disease. The most risky situation is that aortic valve failure can lead to sudden death. Aortic valve disease is a disease that can be treated surgically. Aortic valve insufficiency leads to an increase in the workload of the ventricle, as some of the blood pumped into the aorta returns to the left ventricle (ventricle). Shortness of breath is the first early symptom in patients. In advanced stages, chest pain is also a prominent complaint of patients.

Patients with severe aortic insufficiency should be operated on as soon as possible.

Differences Between Aortic Valve Repair or Replacement
In aortic valve surgery, the surgical technique is determined by the patient’s medical condition. The classical aortic valve surgery technique is preferred in patients with low risk. In this technique, it is possible to operate with a small incision depending on the patient’s condition. Sutureless aortic valve replacement (AVR) is an alternative to TAVI in elderly patients with advanced calcification of the aortic valve in order to shorten the operation time and accelerate recovery. In this method, small incisions under the breast or collarbone are generally preferred. Such patients recover faster due to the short operation time and small scar.

Post-discharge medication
After discharge, your doctor will prescribe medication to be taken by mouth. Some of the following medicines may be necessary for your treatment:

Blood Thinners: Medicines that prevent blood clotting, such as aspirin.
Heart Medicines: Medicines to strengthen your heart and regulate your heart rate.
Stool softeners: Medicines that help prevent constipation by regulating your bowel movements.
Diuretics: Medicines that prevent the formation of edema by helping you to remove excess fluid from your body.