Complications from having open heart surgery and getting aortic valve replacement?

There are several: The complications of aortic valve replacement include bleeding, blood transfusions, stroke, infection, renal failure, reoperation, atrial fibrillation and death. Therre are more as well. Fortunately the risks of aortic valve surgery are relatively small for most patients. The exact risks vary from patient to patient. The average risk of death is about 1-2% for most aortic valve replacements.

Becoming safer: Low risk in general, depending on ones personal risk factors < 5% or lower death bleeding infection stroke recurrent issues mechanical valve Coumadin (warfarin) is necessary for life.