Can you tell me what happens before, during, and after an aortic valve replacement?

Keep reading...: You need preop angiogram to see if there's blocked coronary arteries that should be bypassed at the time of surgery, unless you're under 40 (50 for females) with no major risk factors. During surgery, heart is stopped from beating, while a machine ("pump") circulates blood through the body; this allows surgeon easy access. Postop recovery is usually 1 week in hospital, 2 weeks in cardiac rehab.

Chest pain, fatigue: These along with shortness of breath and occasionally passing out are the hallmarks of aortic stenosis or narrowing. If the valve is leaking, tends to be more shortness of breath. The valve is replaced with either a mechanical or tissue valve, using the heart lung machine and usually performed through the breast bone incision. After recovery, you should return to a normal life.

Aortic valve: Patients with leak or narrowing of valve need avr. During the surgery heart is stopped, aorta opened, and valve replaced. Post op patients need blood thinner depending on the type of valve.

Gradual Decline: In function, increased fatigue, worsening valve gradient and valve area. Symptoms of angina, syncope, heart failure depending on stenosis or regurgitation. Open heart operation with valve replacement with biologic(bovine or pig) tissue valve, or mechanical valve. Recovery 5-7 days then home to cardiac rehab and further recovery anticoagulation fr 3 months.