Aortic valve surgery
Types of AORTIC heart surgery
We offer the most advanced procedures for aortic valve surgery, including TAVI and valve repair
About the aortic valve
Aortic valve surgery treats diseases of the aortic valve — one of four valves keeping the blood flowing in the right direction. When one of the valves stops working properly, it can stop the blood flowing round the heart properly and force the heart to pump harder. Aortic valve surgery involves replacing or repairing the faulty valve so that function is fully restored to the heart.
Need to know
-
What happens during aortic valve surgery? icon plus
Your consultant will let you know whether you need valve replacement or repair surgery.
- Valve repair. The valve can be repaired in several ways. This includes patching holes with tissue, separating fused valve cups or reshaping tissue so the valve closes properly. This is rarely performed.
- Valve replacement. The entire valve can be replaced through open surgery or through transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). This minimally invasive (keyhole) procedure is where cardiologists surgeons access your heart usually through an artery in your groin. The new valve is inserted through a catheter and guided into place. It is expanded inside the patient's existing diseased valve.
-
How to prepare for surgery icon plus
Your consultant will explain what happens during aortic valve surgery and answer any questions you might have. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved.
Your consultant will explain these to you. If you're having general anaesthetic, your consultant will advise when you need to stop eating and drinking the night before. -
After surgery icon plus
After your aortic valve surgery, you'll need to stay in hospital for around a week. During this time, you'll be carefully monitored by our multi-disciplinary team of cardiac specialists.
You should be fully recovered after three months, and your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work or exercise. The hospital stay after TAVI is much shorter, typically no more than a few days.
Our cardiac consultants
We're proud to work with leading cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons whose skills are matched by their integrity and compassion.
Our locations
From complex cardiothoracic surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
Request an appointment
Our booking teams can help you make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
020 7079 4344
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.