Experiences with

Aortic valve replacement

An aortic valve replacement is a type of open heart surgery used to treat problems with the heart's aortic valve.

The aortic valve controls the flow of blood out from the heart to the rest of the body.

An aortic valve replacement involves removing a faulty or damaged valve and replacing it with a new valve made from synthetic materials or animal tissue.

It's a major operation that isn't suitable for everyone and can take a long time to recover from.

When is it necessary to replace the aortic valve?

The aortic valve may need to be replaced for 2 reasons:

  • the valve has become narrowed (aortic stenosis) – the opening of the valve becomes smaller, obstructing the flow of blood out of the heart
  • the valve is leaky (aortic regurgitation) – the valve allows blood to flow back through into the heart

The problems can get worse over time and in severe cases can lead to life-threatening problems such as heart failure if left untreated.

There are no medicines to treat aortic valve problems, so replacing the valve will be recommended if you're at risk of serious complications but are otherwise well enough to have surgery. 

Find out more about why aortic valve replacements are carried out

How is an aortic valve replacement carried out?

An aortic valve replacement is carried out under general anaesthetic.

This means you'll be asleep during the operation and won't feel any pain while it's carried out.

During the procedure:

  • a large cut (incision) about 25cm long is made in your chest to access your heart – although sometimes a smaller cut may be made
  • your heart is stopped and a heart-lung (bypass) machine is used to take over the job of your heart during the operation
  • the damaged or faulty valve is removed and replaced with the new one
  • your heart is restarted and the opening in your chest is closed

The operation usually takes a few hours. You'll have a discussion with your doctor or surgeon before the procedure to decide whether a synthetic or animal tissue replacement valve is most suitable for you.

Find out what happens during an aortic valve replacement

Recovering from an aortic valve replacement

You'll usually need to stay in hospital for about a week after an aortic valve replacement, although it may be 2 to 3 months before you fully recover.

You should take things easy when you first get home, but you can start to gradually return to your normal activities over the next few weeks.

You'll be given specific advice about any side effects you can expect while you recover and any activities you should avoid.

You won't usually be able to drive for around 4 to 6 weeks and you'll probably need 6 to 12 weeks off work, depending on your job.

Read more about recovering from an aortic valve replacement.

Risks of an aortic valve replacement

An aortic valve replacement is a big operation and, like any type of surgery, carries a risk of complications.

Some of the main risks of an aortic valve replacement include:

The risk of dying from an aortic valve replacement is around 1 to 3%, although this risk is much smaller than that of leaving severe aortic valve problems untreated.

Most people who survive surgery have a life expectancy close to normal.

Read more about the risks of aortic valve replacement.

Alternatives to an aortic valve replacement

An aortic valve replacement is the most effective treatment for aortic valve conditions. 

Alternative procedures are usually only used if open heart surgery is too risky.

Possible alternatives include:

  • transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) – the replacement valve is guided into place through the blood vessels, rather than through a large incision in the chest
  • aortic valve balloon valvuloplasty – the valve is widened using a balloon
  • sutureless aortic valve replacement – the valve is not secured using stitches (sutures) to minimise the time spent on a heart-lung machine

Read more about the alternatives to an aortic valve replacement.

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence

6,174 public posts

Drugs after heart surgery

I had a aortic valve replacement 3 months ago.
in AF Association

Aortic valve replacement

Hi, I'm due to have a Aortic valve replacement op very soon, I'm getting really down with my body aching all the time ang having no strength in my muscle, for those of you who have had this operation does the aching and muscle strength get better.
in British Heart Foundation

Aortic valve replacment

Hi just been told i need a aortic valve replacement open heart surgery any advise would be welcome. I am a 61 yr old male. Mechanical or tissue valve.
in British Heart Foundation
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Avr and vaccine

I had aortic valve replacement in 2013 and on warfarin long term and bisoporal ,im 50 was 43 when I had my op, ,has anyone had the vaccine for covid and are fine,I’m waiting to hear,I get flu jab every year with no problems
in British Heart Foundation

Aortic valve replacement.

Hi, I have to undergo aortic valve replacement. Choice of biological or mechanical valve seems to be an issue. Would like to hear from anyone who had has this procedure and there experience if each type of valve. Jon.
in British Heart Foundation

Pain relief

My husband was discharged from hospital on Sunday after having bypass surgery and aortic valve replacement. The only pain killer he appears to be sent home with is paracetamol!! What have other people been prescribed after open heart surgery please?
in British Heart Foundation

Loss of appetite, change of taste, and sleeping problems following heart surgery.

Had aortic valve replacement end of September 2020. Severe complications five weeks later led to fitting of a pacemaker and change of medication. On Bisoprolol 5 mg and Digoxin 2.5 mg and doing well. Great problem with appetite initially with rapid loss of weight. Disturbed sleep pattern still.
in British Heart Foundation

Post op appointment

I have my post op appointment for aortic valve replacement next week via video link. I will be 7 weeks post op. Can anyone tell me what to expect.
in British Heart Foundation

What's The Cardiology Care Like At Kings

I'm heading there for Aortic Valve Replacement in Feb/March next year. I'd also like to know if they give you a choice with regard to mechanical or tissue valve. Many thanks.
in British Heart Foundation

Aortic valve replacement

Has anyone had an aortic valve replacement, and how long are they expected to last. TAVI or mechanical. Thank you
in AF Association

Clicking of sternum bone 8 months after value replacement

Hi All, My husband has an aortic valve replacement 8 months ago and is so much better now.. he walks daily without getting out of breath and feel able to do so much more than before. He does still have a sore sternum but the scar is all fine no redness or anything.
in British Heart Foundation

Unable to eat after heart valve surgery

My father (66) had aortic valve replacement surgery on 23 December. Since coming home from hospital, he's not been able to eat and is losing about one pound per day. Everything tastes odd to him, and he sometimes gags after eating.
in British Heart Foundation

Hi hubby got Aorta Valve Replacement 4 weeks ago doing well. However, I have noticed change in personality, not nice, is this normal?

Aortic valve replacement
in British Heart Foundation

Should I stop bisoprolol

My husband is now 19 weeks post aortic valve replacement. The GP has taken him off of his bisoprolol 1.25 MH this week but I was told that many stay on it for long term after AVR. Also he is on 75 mg of aspirin but the ZgO has stop his lansopranol so I feel maybe he’s at risk of stomach ulcers.
in British Heart Foundation

Supporting my husband

We are currently on day 10 following a bicuspid valve replacement, aortic aneurism repair and one bi pas surgery. He is going through the mill a bit at the moment and due to the covid restrictions are not allowed to visit. He is left with a high heart rate which is proving difficult to control.
in British Heart Foundation

DVLA and when can I drive.

My husband has had aortic valve replacement on 27/5 and we were wondering when he can or is allowed to drive and if any do DVLA need to know. It seems to be a bit of a grey area. Thank you
in British Heart Foundation

cardiovascular disease

Had aortic valve replacement in May, age 84, seems to be lacking in problems so far. but CDV that seemed of little consequence when first diagnosed last year has taken over.
in British Heart Foundation

Aortic Valve replacement options

What sort of noise can I expect from a mechanical aortic valve replacement ? Got a choice of mechanical with warfarin or pig/cow without. Mechanical not need replacement, cow/pig will do so Came across QOL research that suggests the noise of the valve can be annoying for some
in British Heart Foundation

High Eosinophils

This is all going very slowly and I have an additional requirement for Aortic Valve replacement surgery and am terrified that this will not be able to happen with a MPD or other blood disorder. Any advice greatly welcomed.
in MPN Voice

What should we expect 12 weeks after aortic and mitral valve replacement? - UPDATE

12 weeks after aortic and mitral valve replacement and after a period of improvement dad (78) is suddenly getting worse...
in British Heart Foundation
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