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Aortic Valve Replacement

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Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery in Bangalore

Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Surgery by Leading Cardiac Surgeon

Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery in Bangalore has been revolutionised by Dr. Sudarshan GT's expertise in minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS). As one of Bangalore's best heart valve replacement surgeons, Dr. Sudarshan performs advanced aortic valve procedures through small keyhole incisions, offering superior outcomes with faster recovery times.

The aortic valve controls blood flow from the heart's main pumping chamber (left ventricle) to the body's main artery (aorta). When this crucial valve becomes diseased, minimally invasive aortic valve replacement offers the most advanced treatment option available in Bangalore.

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Best Heart Valve Replacement Surgeons in Bangalore

Understanding Aortic Valve Disease

When Do You Need Aortic Valve Replacement?

The aortic valve may require replacement when it becomes:

1.Aortic Stenosis (Narrowing)

  • Valve leaflets become stiff and calcified over time
  • Reduced blood flow from the heart to the body
  • The heart works harder to pump blood through a narrow opening
  • Progressive condition that worsens without treatment

2.Aortic Regurgitation (Leakage)

  • Valve doesn't close properly, allowing blood to leak back
  • Volume overload on the left ventricle
  • Heart enlargement over time if untreated
  • Reduced pumping efficiency of the heart

Symptoms Requiring Aortic Valve Surgery

If you experience these symptoms, you may need aortic valve replacement surgery:

  • Chest pain or pressure, especially during physical activity
  • Shortness of breath with exertion or while lying flat
  • Fatigue and weakness during normal daily activities
  • Dizziness or fainting, particularly with exertion
  • Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat sensations
  • Swelling in ankles, feet, or legs
  • Rapid weight gain from fluid retention

Causes of Aortic Valve Disease

Age-Related Changes

  • Calcium buildup on valve leaflets over time
  • Natural wear and tear with the ageing process
  • Degenerative changes in valve structure

Congenital Conditions

  • Bicuspid aortic valve (born with 2 leaflets instead of 3)
  • Unicuspid aortic valve (rare single-leaflet valve)
  • Other structural abnormalities present from birth

Acquired Conditions

  • Rheumatic heart disease from childhood strep infections
  • Infective endocarditis (valve infection)
  • Aortic root dilatation affecting valve function
  • Previous chest radiation therapy

Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement (MICS)

Revolutionary Surgical Approach

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement performed by Dr. Sudarshan offers significant advantages over traditional open-heart surgery:

Traditional vs. MICS Approach

Aspect Traditional Surgery MICS Approach
Incision Size 20-25 cm breastbone cut 4-6 cm right chest incision
Bone Cutting Breastbone split required TNo bone cutting needed
Recovery Time 8-12 weeks 3-4 weeks
Hospital Stay 7-10 days 3-5 days
Pain Level Significant Minimal
Scarring Large visible scar Small hidden scar
Blood Transfusion Often required Rarely needed

MICS Aortic Valve Replacement Procedure

Pre-Operative Evaluation

  • Comprehensive cardiac assessment with echocardiogram and catheterisation
  • CT scan for surgical planning and valve sizing
  • Pulmonary function tests to assess breathing capacity
  • Blood work and medical optimisation
  • Anaesthesia consultation and risk assessment

Surgical Technique

  1. Small Right Chest Incision (4-6 cm) between ribs
  2. Endoscopic Visualisation using high-definition cameras
  3. Heart-Lung Machine Connection through groin vessels
  4. Precise Valve Removal under direct vision
  5. New Valve Implantation with meticulous suturing technique
  6. Comprehensive Testing before chest closure

Advanced Technology Features

  • 4K Ultra-HD Endoscopic Vision for exceptional detail
  • Specialised Instruments designed for minimally invasive access
  • Real-Time Echocardiography for immediate valve assessment
  • Advanced Perfusion Techniques for Organ Protection

Types of Aortic Valve Replacements

Choosing the Right Valve for You

Dr. Sudarshan will help you choose between different valve types based on your age, lifestyle, and medical condition:

1.Biological (Tissue) Valves

Made from treated animal tissue (porcine or bovine)

Advantages
  • No lifelong blood thinners required
  • Natural hemodynamics similar to native valve
  • Quiet operation with no clicking sounds
  • Lower bleeding risk long-term
Considerations:
  • Limited lifespan (15-20 years average)
  • May require re-operation in younger patients
  • Preferred for patients >65 years or those who cannot take blood thinners

2.Mechanical Valves

Durable artificial valves made from carbon and titanium

Advantages
  • Lifetime durability - rarely needs replacement
  • Excellent hemodynamic performance
  • Cost-effective long-term solution
  • Proven track record over decades
Considerations:
  • Lifelong blood thinners (warfarin) required
  • Regular INR monitoring needed
  • Audible clicking sound with each heartbeat
  • Preferred for younger patients (<65 years)

3.Ross Procedure (Special Cases)

The patient's own pulmonary valve is used to replace the aortic valve

Advantages
  • Living tissue that grows with the patient
  • No blood thinners required
  • Excellent long-term durability
  • Ideal for children and young adults

Recovery After Aortic Valve Replacement

What to Expect During Recovery

In the Hospital (3-5 days)

Day 1 (Surgery Day)
  • ICU monitoring for 24-48 hours
  • Breathing tube removal within 6-12 hours
  • Pain management with minimal medication needs
  • Early mobilisation is encouraged when stable
Day 2-3
  • Transfer to a regular room when stable
  • Walking with assistance and breathing exercises
  • Diet progression from liquids to regular food
  • Medication education and discharge planning
Day 4-5
  • Final evaluations, including echocardiogram
  • Discharge home when medically stable
  • Home care instructions and follow-up scheduling

At Home Recovery (2-4 weeks)

Week 1-2:
  • Light activities only - walking encouraged
  • No lifting >5 kg (10 pounds)
  • Gradual activity increase as tolerated
  • Daily weight monitoring for fluid retention
Week 3-4:
  • Return to office work is possible for desk jobs
  • Driving permitted when comfortable
  • Light household activities resumed
  • Stair climbing without restrictions
Month 2-3:
  • Full activity resumption, including exercise
  • Return to all work activities
  • Sports participation with doctor approval
  • Complete recovery expected

Long-Term Follow-Up

  • Echocardiogram at 1, 6, and 12 months
  • Annual cardiac evaluation thereafter
  • INR monitoring if mechanical valve
  • Endocarditis prophylaxis for dental procedures

Why Choose Dr. Sudarshan for Aortic Valve Surgery?

Bangalore's Leading Aortic Valve Specialist

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Exceptional Surgical Expertise

  • 500+ aortic valve replacements performed
  • >98% success rate in valve replacement surgery
  • Specialist in complex cases, including redo operations
  • Pioneer in MICS aortic surgery in Bangalore
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Advanced Surgical Techniques

  • Endoscopic aortic valve replacement through a 4 cm incision
  • Sutureless valve technology when appropriate
  • Root replacement procedures for complex cases
  • Robotic-assisted techniques for precision surgery
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Outstanding Patient Outcomes

  • Minimal complication rates compared to national averages
  • Faster recovery times with the MICS approach
  • High patient satisfaction scores consistently
  • Excellent long-term valve durability results
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Comprehensive Care Team

  • Experienced cardiac anesthesiologists specialising in MICS
  • Dedicated perfusion team for heart-lung machine management
  • Specialised cardiac ICU with advanced monitoring
  • Cardiac rehabilitation program for optimal recovery

Patient Success Stories

Real Results from Aortic Valve Surgery

Case Study 1: Endoscopic Aortic Valve Replacement

Patient Profile:

70-year-old lady with severe aortic stenosis and grade 3 osteoporosis

Challenge:

High-risk candidate due to fragile bones, needed surgery, but the traditional approach was too risky

Solution:
  • Endoscopic aortic valve replacement through a 4 cm right anterior thoracotomy
  • No bone cutting required
  • Endoscopic assistance for excellent visualisation
  • Precise decalcification and suture placement
Outcome:
  • Fast-track extubation on the same day
  • No blood transfusion required
  • Discharged home on day 3
  • Complete recovery within 3 weeks

Case Study 2: Young Adult Bicuspid Valve

Patient Profile:

28-year-old engineer with bicuspid aortic valve stenosis

Challenge:

Young patient needing valve replacement, concerned about scarring and recovery time

Solution:

Minimally invasive mechanical valve replacement through a small chest incision

Outcome:
  • Returned to work in 3 weeks
  • Excellent cosmetic result with a hidden scar
  • Normal exercise capacity restored
  • High satisfaction with surgical decision

Case Study 3: Elderly High-Risk Patient

Patient Profile:

82-year-old with severe aortic stenosis and multiple comorbidities

Challenge:

Traditional surgery is considered too high-risk by other surgeons

Solution:
  • MICS aortic valve replacement with tissue valve
  • Careful preoperative optimisation
  • Minimally invasive approach to reduce trauma
  • Enhanced recovery protocol
Outcome:
  • Successful surgery with no complications
  • Home discharge on day 4
  • Significant symptom improvement
  • Active lifestyle resumed

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Aortic Valve Replacement

If you have severe aortic stenosis or regurgitation with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting, you likely need valve replacement. Dr. Sudarshan will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the best timing.

Dr. Sudarshan maintains a >98% success rate for aortic valve replacement with minimal complications. Long-term outcomes are excellent when proper valve selection and surgical technique are employed.

Robotic and minimally invasive cardiac surgery offers patients several benefits compared to traditional open-heart surgery, including smaller incisions, less pain, reduced blood loss, faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, and minimal scarring, all with excellent long-term results.

Mechanical valves last a lifetime, while biological valves typically last 15-20 years. Your age and lifestyle help determine the best choice for you.

Yes, most patients return to full activity, including exercise, within 2-3 months. Many patients report an improved exercise capacity following surgery.

Modern aortic valve replacement has low risks (<2% mortality) when performed by experienced surgeons. The MICS approach further reduces complications compared to traditional surgery.

Book Your Aortic Valve Surgery Consultation

Expert Aortic Valve Care in Bangalore

Don't let aortic valve disease limit your life. Dr. Sudarshan GT, Bangalore's leading aortic valve specialist, is ready to provide you with the most advanced minimally invasive treatment available.

Consultation Details

  • Location: Fortis Hospital, 154/9, Bannerghatta Road, Opp. IIM-B, Bengaluru - 560076
  • Direct Line: +91 63606 49975
  • Direct Line: drsudarshangt@micsheartsurgery.in
  • Consultation Hours: Monday - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

What to Bring for Consultation

  • Previous cardiac reports (echo, ECG, stress tests)
  • List of current medications you are taking
  • Insurance information for coverage verification
  • Questions about the procedure and recovery

Emergency Aortic Valve Surgery

For acute aortic valve emergencies, Dr. Sudarshan provides 24/7 emergency surgery services at Fortis Hospital.

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