Early Warning Heart Disease Screenings
Cardiac Testing
Bypass Surgery
Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery
Open-Heart Surgery
Cardiology Department
Cardiac Catheterization
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Pacemaker & Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) Procedures
Vascular Surgery
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) Procedure
Heart Failure Care at Lima Memorial
WATCHMAN Implant Reduces AFib Stroke Risk
Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery
What is an Aortic Valve Replacement?
An aortic heart valve replacement uses an animal, human or mechanical heart valve to replace one in your heart that releases blood to the body. Like most heart valve operations, aortic valve surgery is typically an open-heart procedure. Under certain conditions, Lima Memorial Heart and Vascular Institute takes advantage of new developments in surgical technology to replace heart valves using minimally invasive surgery.
Traditional aortic valve replacement surgeries require the breastbone (sternum) to be split down the middle using a procedure known as a median sternotomy. This gives the surgeon full access to the heart and chest cavity, which is what is commonly referred to as open-heart surgery. Learn more about open heart surgery performed at Lima Memorial.
With the newly developed minimally invasive procedure, Lima Memorial surgeons reach the heart through a small incision between the ribs, often only two inches long. They use special, very small instruments and cameras to reach and operate on the heart through the smaller opening while watching a video monitor. This “mini-valve” procedure allows us to operate on the heart without “opening” the chest – typically our patients’ greatest fear. This minimally invasive procedure can reduce postoperative pain and scarring, and improve recovery time, and our surgeons are increasingly using this procedure.
How long does it take to recover from aortic heart valve replacement?
The normal recovery time after aortic heart valve surgery is usually four to eight weeks, and may be shorter if minimally invasive surgery techniques are used. Typically, patients begin practicing basic
self care immediately after surgery and are encouraged to resume standing, walking, eating, and drinking shortly thereafter.
Questions about Aortic Heart Valve Surgery?
To contact Lima Memorial Heart and Vascular Institute or learn more about aortic valve replacement surgery, call 419-224-5915.
Medical Services
