Aortic Valve Repair & Replacement

Dr. Loumiotis performs a unique procedure to restore Aortic Valve function - also known as the Aortic Valve Repair.

Think of your aortic valve as a one-way door in your heart that makes sure blood flows out to your body correctly. When it's not working well, it can cause problems. Aortic valve repair is like fixing that door instead of replacing the whole thing. Here are the main benefits in simple terms:

Keeps Your Own ValveThe biggest plus is that you get to keep your original heart valve. This is generally better than a replacement because your own tissue is less likely to cause problems down the road.

Lower Risk of InfectionArtificial valves, whether mechanical or biological, have a higher risk of getting infected. Repairing your own valve avoids this added risk.

No Need for Blood Thinners (Usually)Mechanical heart valves require you to take blood-thinning medication for the rest of your life to prevent clots. With a repaired valve, most people don't need these medications, which can have side effects and require regular monitoring. Biological replacement valves also sometimes require blood thinners, at least for a period.

Better Long-Term SurvivalStudies have shown that in many cases, people who have their aortic valve repaired have better long-term survival compared to those who receive a replacement.

Better Heart FunctionA properly repaired valve works more like your natural valve, which can lead to better overall heart function and less strain on your heart muscle.

Potentially Fewer Re-operationsWhile repairs can sometimes need to be redone over time, in some situations, a good repair can last a long time and potentially reduce the need for future surgeries compared to certain types of replacement valves.

More Natural Blood FlowYour own repaired valve allows for a more natural and gentle flow of blood compared to an artificial valve.