Aortic Surgery 
Valve Replacement for Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV)
Bicuspid valve
Replacement of the aortic root at the time of valve replacement is recommended for patients who have bicuspid valve disease for several reasons. Aortic aneurysms develop in half of patients with bicuspid valves, and dissection occurs in 5%. Put in another perspective, bicuspid valve disease increases the risk of aortic dissection nine-fold. Moreover, replacing just the valve does not eliminate the risk of aortic dissection or aneurysm.
In general, the course of treatment for patients with bicuspid valve is determined by the condition of both the valve and the root. Since they are closely related, but may develop surgical indications at different rates, we generally think of the valve and the root as one, yet account for variations in disease progression. The goal of surgery is simple: to make patients feel better, to preserve both quality and length of life, and to limit treatment to a single operation so that patients do not need to undergo multiple procedures.
With these factors in mind, we may consider the following options for bicuspid valve patients. If the patient's own valve can be rebuilt and made to function perfectly, then we will perform surgical repair. Since bicuspid valves do not enjoy the same function as a trileaflet valve, we are exceptionally careful to perform a responsible repair that will give the patient a long-lasting result.
In the event that the valve cannot be effectively repaired, several new valves are available. The choice of an aortic valve must be made by the patient and the patient's family, with input from the cardiac surgeon and cardiologist. At NYPH/Columbia we stock every FDA approved mechanical and tissue valve. The most important consideration for the patient is whether to choose a tissue or mechanical valve. The decision is based on whether the patient wants to avoid any further valve procedure versus the need to take a blood thinner (anticoagulant medication such as Coumadin). After receiving a mechanical valve, patients must take blood thinners for the rest of their lives in order to prevent clots. Replacement with a tissue valve does not require taking blood thinners, but these are less durable and may require reoperation after 15 or 20 years.
The choice of valve will therefore be influenced by factors including the patient's age, health status, lifestyle, and others. For example, if the patient is a woman who wishes to have children, taking a blood thinner must be avoided, as blood thinning medications increase the risk of significant birth defects. If the patient is an active individual who enjoys contact sports, skiing, or working with tools, a blood thinner should be avoided so that injuries will not lead to dangerous bleeding problems. If the patient is not particularly active with contact sports, and wishes to avoid an additional procedure in the future, 20 then a mechanical valve is a good option. It is important to realize that regardless of which valve is chosen, the details of the operation are identical.
