According to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, in 2007 nearly 18,000 aortic valve replacement surgeries were done in the U.S.  Heart valve problems can be the result of diseases that scar or destroy a valve, or the result of a birth defect.  Aging can take a toll on valves, too.  These conditions can lead to aortic stenosis, or narrowing.  Aortic stenosis is the most commonly acquired valvular disorder in developed countries.

Symptoms of aortic stenosis include shortness of breath during normal daily activities.  Individuals may also experience chest pain, fainting, or lightheadedness.  Heart valve problems are often detected during an echocardiogram. 

Treatment Options
If you are diagnosed with heart valve disease, medication may be prescribed to relieve symptoms and decrease further damage. 

Medications, however, cannot reverse damage to the heart valve.  In some cases the damage continues to progress even with medications, and heart valve repair or replacement may be recommended.  Both procedures are commonly used and highly effective in treating heart valve conditions.

Working with your doctor, the best treatment option will be determined depending upon the following factors:

1. The benefits and risks of each type of treatment
2. Your age
3. Your specific medical conditions
4. Other medications you may be taking
5. Your lifestyle needs and goals

Surgical valve replacement involves the removal of the diseased heart valve and replacement of a prosthetic valve.  Prosthetic valves used to replace the heart’s natural valves come in different sizes to fit the patient and are made from a variety of materials including:

1. Tissue (bioprosthetic) valves, made of animal tissue
2. Mechanical valves, created from synthetic (man-made) materials.

Aortic value replacement can be done through a minimally invasive approach through a 3” incision rather than the conventional large incision approach.  Dr. Scott Lucas is the only cardiovascular surgeon in Oklahoma routinely performing this procedure in a minimally invasive fashion.  For more information about minimally invasive valve replacement, contact Dr. Lucas’ office at 405.310.3028.