Aortaklaffbyte

Aortaklaffbyte, also known as aortic valve replacement, is a surgical procedure to replace a diseased or damaged aortic valve with a new one. The aortic valve is one of the four valves in the heart, and its function is to control blood flow from the left ventricle of the heart to the aorta, the main artery that carries blood to the rest of the body. When the aortic valve is not working properly, it can lead to serious health problems.

There are several reasons why an aortic valve might need replacement. The most common cause is aortic stenosis, a condition where the valve stiffens and narrows, restricting blood flow. Another cause is aortic regurgitation, where the valve doesn't close properly, allowing blood to leak back into the left ventricle. These conditions can develop due to age-related wear and tear, congenital heart defects, rheumatic fever, or infection.

The procedure can be performed using traditional open-heart surgery or less invasive techniques such as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Open-heart surgery involves making a larger incision in the chest and using a heart-lung bypass machine to temporarily take over the function of the heart and lungs. TAVI/TAVR involves inserting a new valve through a catheter, usually guided via a blood vessel in the leg or chest, and is often a less invasive option for patients who may not be suitable for open surgery.

The replacement valve can be either biological (made from animal tissue) or mechanical (made from durable synthetic materials). Biological valves generally do not require lifelong blood-thinning medication, while mechanical valves do. The choice of valve depends on various factors including the patient's age, overall health, and lifestyle. A successful aortic valve replacement can significantly improve a patient's quality of life and prognosis.