aortic valve replacement
Surgical procedure to replace a diseased aortic valve with a mechanical or biological prosthesis.
Full Definition
A cardiac surgical procedure involving the removal of a malfunctioning aortic valve and replacement with either a mechanical valve (made from synthetic materials) or a bioprosthetic valve (derived from animal tissue). The procedure may be performed via traditional open-heart surgery through median sternotomy or minimally invasive techniques. Patient selection depends on valve pathology, age, comorbidities, and anticoagulation tolerance. Post-operative management includes monitoring for paravalvular leaks, prosthetic valve dysfunction, and appropriate anticoagulation protocols.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as AVR in clinical documentation. Distinguish from aortic valve repair, which preserves the native valve.
In Context
- "The patient underwent successful aortic valve replacement with a 25mm bioprosthetic valve." — Operative report
- "Post-operative echocardiography following aortic valve replacement showed excellent hemodynamics." — Clinical note