What happens during, and after an aortic valve replacement?

Aortic valve sx: The native aortic valve is surgically removed and replaced with a mechanical valve or a bioprosthetic valve. Mechanical valves last a life time but need anticoagulation with coumadin (warfarin).

Valve replacement: The surgery replaces the valve with either a mechanical or animal tissue valve. This is done on a heart lung machine. The valve takes the place of the damaged valve and the patient lives their life with a new disease 'artificial valve' with its own set of problems. The obstruction or valve leak of the diseased valve is corrected by the artificial valve. Sometimes blood thinners are needed.