Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is a surgical procedure used to replace a damaged or diseased aortic valve. The aortic valve is a one-way valve located between the left ventricle and the aorta, the main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. During SAVR, the damaged or diseased valve is removed and replaced with a mechanical or tissue valve. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes two to four hours.
The main goal of SAVR is to improve the patient’s quality of life by restoring the normal flow of blood through the aortic valve. The procedure is typically recommended for patients with severe aortic valve stenosis, a condition in which the valve does not open properly and restricts the flow of blood. It is also recommended for patients with aortic valve regurgitation, a condition in which the valve does not close properly and allows blood to flow backward.
SAVR is major surgery and carries risks, including stroke, infection, and bleeding. However, the procedure is generally safe and effective, and most patients experience an improved quality of life after the procedure.
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