A 35-year-old member asked:
Where do they cut when replacing a bicuspid aortic valve?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Sergio Cossuanswered
Cardiology 34 years experience
Several: The standard surgical approach is via a mi sternotomy approach. Currently there are centers performing the surgery via a minimal thoracotomy incision as well. The latest approach is a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (tavr). Which is done withou an incision and performed though a catheter via the groin. Check with your surgeon as to which approach is best for you.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Roberto Rodriguezanswered
Thoracic Surgery 23 years experience
Many: The standard approach is a full sternotomy. There are 2 minimally invasive approaches; a mini upper sternotomy and a mini right anterior thoracotomy. If you are having an isolated aortic valve procedure, you should find a surgeon with minimally invasive experience. The transcatheter approach is only used for high risk and inoperable patients and it is contraindicated for bicuspid valves.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 34-year-old member asked:
I have a bicuspid aortic valve, what do I do next?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Cynthia Pointanswered
Specializes in Internal Medicine
See a cardiologist: The valve is normally 3 parts, so yours with only 2 parts will "age" faster. You should have an echocardiogram perhaps annually, to follow the size of the opening. If it begins to narrow too much, surgery is indicated to replace it.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Diana Metzger commented
undefined 31 years experience
Annual echos may not be needed until signs of progression start to accellerate
Apr 7, 2013
A 31-year-old member asked:
How serious is a bicuspid aortic valve?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Terrence Cohenanswered
Cardiology 47 years experience
May worsen with age: This is a not uncommon congenital variant which is typically aysmptomatic for many years. With aging, leakage from the valve not closing properly may become a problem. Also, the valve can be a site on which infections may settle.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jul 29, 2016
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