Surgical Procedures

Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement

The most common valve operation is aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis. The aortic valve resides deep within the heart and regulates the blood supply to all of the major vessels of the body. In aortic stenosis, the aortic valve tightens or narrows, preventing blood from easily flowing through. Aortic stenosis may manifest itself along with other heart problems such as coronary artery blockages or other valve disease.

Aortic insufficiency may also require aortic valve replacement. With aortic insufficiency, the aortic valve no longer adequately retains blood, allowing leakage through the valve back into the heart. Aortic insufficiency can lead to heart failure.