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Apr 21, 2022 · However, treatment is possible for a bicuspid aortic valve. Options include medications, a heart-healthy lifestyle, or even surgery if needed.
How serious is bicuspid aortic valve?
Surgery. Sometimes cardiac surgeons are able to fix BAV by performing an aortic valve repair. However, if the aortic valve is too damaged to repair, an aortic valve replacement may be the best option. You may also require surgery to repair or replace sections of your aorta.
Does a bicuspid aortic valve require regular monitoring?
Sometimes surgeons replace the bicuspid aortic valve with the person's own pulmonary valve and use a donor valve to replace the pulmonary valve. Each type of procedure and surgery has its own risks and benefits.
What causes the need for an aortic valve replacement?
Dec 21, 2021 · Treatment of the bicuspid aortic valve depends on the extent of the valve's disease, the patient's symptoms and the size of the aorta. Open-heart surgery may be needed if the narrowing or leakiness is severe or the patient is experiencing symptoms.
What is the best natural treatment for aortic valve stenosis?
Several treatment options are available for patients with a bicuspid aortic valve. Treatment is dependent on how well the valve is working and if the aortic root is enlarged. If the valve is functioning relatively normally without major narrowing/constriction or leaking and the first section of the aorta (aortic root) is not too large, the condition may just be monitored by your …
Is there a treatment for bicuspid aortic valve?
How long can you live with a bicuspid aortic valve?
How serious is a bicuspid aortic valve?
Can you live a full life with bicuspid aortic valve?
Do all bicuspid aortic valves need surgery?
What should you avoid with a bicuspid aortic valve?
Can bicuspid aortic valve cause sudden death?
How do I know if my bicuspid aortic valve is getting worse?
Is bicuspid aortic valve considered heart disease?
How long is aortic valve surgery?
Does bicuspid aortic valve make you tired?
What is the lifelong care of a bicuspid aortic valve?
After a bicuspid aortic valve has been diagnosed, you'll need lifelong doctor's checkups by a cardiologist to monitor for any changes in your condition. If you have a bicuspid aortic valve, you are more likely to develop an infection of the lining of the heart (infective endocarditis).
What doctor will diagnose bicuspid aortic valve?
If you have a bicuspid aortic valve, you will likely be referred to a doctor who specializes in congenital heart disease (congenital cardiologist).
What is balloon valvoplasty?
Balloon valvoplasty. Your doctor may recommend this procedure if a bicuspid valve caused aortic stenosis. The doctor inserts a catheter with a balloon on the tip into an artery in your groin and guides it to the aortic valve. The balloon is inflated, which expands the opening of the valve. The air is then let out of the balloon (deflated). The catheter and balloon are removed. The valve tends to narrow again in adults who have the procedure.
What is the procedure to remove the enlarged aorta?
Aortic root and ascending aorta surgery. Surgeons remove the enlarged section of the aorta located near the heart. It's replaced with a synthetic tube (graft), which is sewn into place. Sometimes, only the enlarged section of the aorta is removed and the aortic valve remains. The aortic valve can also be replaced or repaired during this procedure.
What is an enlarged aorta?
Enlarged aorta (aortopathy). Some people who have a bicuspid aortic valve have an enlarged aorta. An enlarged aorta increases the risk of a tear in the lining of the aorta (aortic dissection).
What are the procedures for aortic valve replacement?
Surgeries or other procedures 1 Aortic valve replacement. The surgeon removes the damaged valve and replaces it with a mechanical valve or a valve made from cow, pig or human heart tissue (biological tissue valve). Another type of biological tissue valve replacement that uses your own pulmonary valve is sometimes possible.#N#Biological tissue valves break down over time and may eventually need to be replaced. People with mechanical valves will need to take blood thinners for the rest of their lives to prevent blood clots. Your doctor will discuss with you the benefits and risks of each type of valve and discuss which valve may be appropriate for you. 2 Aortic root and ascending aorta surgery. Surgeons remove the enlarged section of the aorta located near the heart. It's replaced with a synthetic tube (graft), which is sewn into place. Sometimes, only the enlarged section of the aorta is removed and the aortic valve remains. The aortic valve can also be replaced or repaired during this procedure. 3 Balloon valvoplasty. Your doctor may recommend this procedure if a bicuspid valve caused aortic stenosis. The doctor inserts a catheter with a balloon on the tip into an artery in your groin and guides it to the aortic valve. The balloon is inflated, which expands the opening of the valve. The air is then let out of the balloon (deflated). The catheter and balloon are removed. The valve tends to narrow again in adults who have the procedure.
What is the name of the valve that is replaced with a mechanical valve?
Aortic valve replacement. The surgeon removes the damaged valve and replaces it with a mechanical valve or a valve made from cow, pig or human heart tissue (biological tissue valve). Another type of biological tissue valve replacement that uses your own pulmonary valve is sometimes possible.
What is the best treatment for BAV?
Medical management is used to treat most people with BAV who do not have symptoms. Medical management can help: Slow the onset of complications. Prevent further complications. Recognize the onset of symptoms. Identify optimal timing of surgical intervention.
What is the aortic valve program at Lurie Children's Hospital?
Find out more about the Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, and the Cardiovascular Bridge Program, which assists young adults with the transition from pediatric to adult care.
What is BAV in medical terms?
Like many diseases, bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) will affect each patient differently. We take care to ensure our team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, nurses, rehabilitation specialists, psychologists and social workers work together to tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs.
How long after BAV surgery can you get a check up?
We will give you a pre-discharge echocardiogram (ECHO) to establish your clinical baseline after surgery. Your physician will contact you three to six months after surgery to monitor your symptoms and progress. Seeing your cardiologist yearly for a check-up will help to determine if additional testing is required.
How to manage BAV?
You and your cardiologist will decide if and when medications are necessary. You can also help manage your BAV by being heart healthy. Ways to be heart healthy include following a low fat, low sodium diet, being physically active, practicing good dental hygiene and quitting or avoiding smoking.
Can you replace an aortic valve?
However, if the aortic valve is too damaged to repair, an aortic valve replacement may be the best option. You may also require surgery to repair or replace sections of your aorta. When it is determined that surgery is needed your cardiac surgeon will discuss which option (s) is best for your particular needs.
Can you have surgery for a leaking aortic valve?
While medical management of your BAV will continue, once your aortic valve starts to leak or does not open completely, surgery may be your best treatment option.
What is a bicuspid aortic valve?
What is bicuspid aortic valve? Bicuspid aortic valve is a type of abnormality in the aortic valve in the heart. In bicuspid aortic valve, the valve has only two small parts, called leaflets, instead of the normal three. This condition is present from birth.
When do you start to have symptoms of a bicuspid aortic valve?
Most commonly, people start to have symptoms some time in middle age. Over time, the valve can become harder to open. Or it can become leakier. Symptoms can gradually develop.
How many leaflets does the aortic valve have?
These valves help the blood flow through the heart's four chambers and out to the body. The aortic valve normally has three small parts, called leaflets. Sometimes, two leaflets develop instead of three. These leaflets may be thicker and stiffer than normal, too. That may cause aortic stenosis.
Why does the bicuspid aortic valve run in families?
Bicuspid aortic valve tends to run in families. So it may result from gene defect. Researchers are still trying to learn more about the specific genes involved. It might also happen if a mother is exposed to certain infections or drugs while pregnant.
What is the name of the valve that connects the heart to the aorta?
It connects to the aorta, the main blood vessel leading to the body. Between the left ventricle and the aorta is the aortic valve, one of the heart's four valves.
What to do if your chest pain is getting worse?
If your symptoms are gradually getting worse, see your healthcare provider soon. See a healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms like severe chest pain or shortness of breath.
When do you know if you have a narrow aortic valve?
There might not be any symptoms. Or symptoms may not appear until adulthood. Many times, people may not even realize they have a bicuspid aortic valve until they have it diagnosed as adults. Most commonly, people start to have symptoms some time in middle age.
Why does the bicuspid aortic valve leak?
The bicuspid aortic valve opens and closes abnormally, and can result in leaking of the valve. The fusion (sticking together) of the valve leaflets causes abnormal valve opening and closing. If the valve does not close completely, blood can leak into the heart. The valve may also become stiff due to calcium deposits on the leaflets over time.
What is a bicuspid valve?
Bicuspid aortic valve disease is an irregularity in the heart where there are only two leaflets on a valve, instead of the normal three. The third leaflet does not develop properly, with two leaflets fusing together (being “stuck” together). The bicuspid aortic valve opens and closes abnormally, and can result in leaking of the valve.
What is a transcatheter balloon valvuloplasty?
Transcatheter balloon valvuloplasty that happens during a heart catheterization involves the insertion of a catheter with an uninflated balloon into the narrowed/constricted (stenotic) valve opening. The balloon is then inflated, then deflated, and removed.
What are the complications of aortic valve repair?
Despite surgery to repair aortic valve narrowing and/or aortic enlargement, some patients can develop long term complications, including: Left ventricular hypertrophy: Narrowing of the aortic valve forces the left ventricle (left pumping chamber) to work harder to pump blood through this stiff/narrow area.
Why is my bicuspid valve stiff?
The valve may also become stiff due to calcium deposits on the leaflets over time. Bicuspid aortic valves may also be associated with: Enlargement of aortic root (first section of the aorta) Enlargement of left ventricle (pumping chamber)
How many flaps does the aortic valve have?
Normally, the aortic valve has three small flaps or leaflets that open widely and close tightly to regulate blood flow. The valve allows blood to flow from the left ventricle (pumping chamber) to the aorta and prevents blood from flowing backward. Bicuspid aortic valve disease is an irregularity in the heart where there are only two leaflets on ...
What is BAV in heart?
Bicuspid aortic valve disease (BAV) is an irregularity in the heart where there are only two leaflets on a valve, instead of the normal three.
What is a bicuspid aortic valve?
What Is Bicuspid Aortic Valve Disease? A bicuspid aortic valve is an aortic valve with only two cusps (or flaps) instead of three. The aortic valve controls the flow of blood from the left ventricle (chamber) to the aorta, the main artery delivering blood to your body.
What is the center for bicuspid aortic valve disease?
The Center for Bicuspid Aortic Valve Diseases offers innovative treatments and techniques as well as a personalized care plan for patients with bicuspid aortic valve disease.
What is aortic valve surgery?
Aortic valve surgery, which repairs or replaces the bicuspid valve through traditional open-chest surgery.
How do you know if you have aortic stenosis?
As the valve ages and develops conditions such as stenosis or regurgitation, you may begin to feel the symptoms associated with those conditions. Those symptoms may include: Chest pain: Discomfort and tightness are often associated with aortic stenosis. Fatigue: Increased activity may leave you feeling tired and weak.
Why is it important to monitor a bicuspid valve?
It’s important to monitor a bicuspid valve so that any changes can be caught early and treated. Approximately 2 percent of the population has BAVD, making it the most common congenital heart condition. While there is no known cause, it’s possible to inherit a bicuspid aortic valve.
Which valve is more likely to develop aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation
Aortic valve conditions: A bicuspid valve is more likely to develop aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation. Infective endocarditis: People with BAVD have a higher risk of endocarditis, a bacterial infection of the heart valves.
What are the symptoms of aortic regurgitation?
Fatigue: Increased activity may leave you feeling tired and weak. Shortness of breath: Sudden trouble breathing during physical exertion is the main symptom of aortic regurgitation. Fainting or lightheadedness: You may feel dizzy or even lose consciousness during physical activity.
What do they do after a bicuspid aortic valve checkup?
After that, they do a physical examination. During the checkup they might use a stethoscope to be able to hear the irregular heart palpitations and, also, for signs of a heart murmur. After that, to verify that you have a bicuspid aortic valve, they’ll do an echocardiogram which helps to evaluate how the heart is working.
What is a bicuspid valve?
A bicuspid aortic valve is a congenital malformation that needs to be monitored and controlled for life, no matter what treatments you use. The aortic valve usually has three leaflets (flaps). However, some people are born with a bicuspid aortic valve. This causes certain problems, since the valve should transport oxygenated blood from ...
How to diagnose a heart condition?
Listening to your heart sounds with a stethoscope and an echocardiogram are two effective techniques to diagnose this condition.
What is the procedure to repair an enlarged aorta?
Surgery: the enlarged section of the aorta is removed and replaced. They can also try to repair the aortic valve.
Can you be born with a bicuspid aortic valve?
However, some people are born with a bicuspid aortic valve. This causes certain problems, since the valve should transport oxygenated blood from the heart to the aorta. As some studies have indicated, this condition is known as a congenital cardiac malformation, and, in spite of what you might think, it’s pretty common.
Do doctors check for widening of aorta?
There are different treatments that the doctor can choose from. However, it’s important to mention that they have to do regular check-ups to detect any other problems, like a widening of the aorta.
Is a bicuspid valve a congenital problem?
This is a congenital problem that affects heart’s ability to transport blood. The diagnosis of a bicuspid aortic valve can be carried out through different methods. However, is there a symptom that you could experience that would alert you to its presence? The truth is yes, even as a kid.
