Valve Surgery

Aortic Valve Repair

Preserving the Native Aortic Valve

Aortic valve repair is performed when the valve is leaking but structurally suitable for reconstruction rather than replacement.

Where appropriate, repairing the native valve allows preservation of natural valve function and avoids implantation of a prosthetic valve.

Careful imaging assessment and intraoperative evaluation determine whether repair is feasible and likely to provide a durable result.

Understanding the Condition

When Is Aortic Valve Repair Possible?

Aortic valve repair may be considered in patients with:
Repair is not suitable for severely calcified or stenotic valves.
The decision depends on:
Detailed echocardiography and imaging are essential before recommending repair.
Timing of Intervention

When Is Surgery Recommended?

Surgery may be recommended when:
The aim is to intervene at the appropriate stage to preserve heart function and long-term stability.
Surgical Approach

How Aortic Valve Repair Is Performed

The operation is performed under general anaesthetic using a heart-lung machine.

Repair techniques are tailored to the underlying abnormality and may include:

If repair is not feasible or unlikely to provide a durable result, valve replacement may be performed during the same operation.
What to Expect

Recovery After Aortic Valve Repair

Intensive Care

Patients are monitored in a cardiac intensive care unit following surgery.

Hospital Stay

Hospital stay is typically around one week, depending on recovery and whether additional procedures are performed.

Mobilisation

Gradual mobilisation begins early under supervision, supported by cardiac rehabilitation guidance.

Follow-Up

Follow-up includes clinical review and imaging to assess valve function over time.

Full Recovery

Recovery continues over several weeks, with gradual return to normal daily activities.

Informed Decision-Making

Risks and Considerations

Aortic valve repair is major cardiac surgery and carries inherent risks.

Bleeding

Stroke

Infection

Irregular heart rhythm

Residual valve leakage

Need for later valve replacement

Rare risk of mortality

These risks are discussed carefully during consultation.
Specialist Care

Specialist Aortic Valve Repair

Mr Ahmed Othman is a Consultant Cardiac and Aortic Surgeon with experience in valve-preserving techniques where appropriate.

His approach focuses on careful assessment of valve anatomy, with the aim of identifying when repair is feasible and likely to provide a stable long-term result.

International training across Cairo, the Cleveland Clinic, and Royal Brompton & Harefield has shaped a measured and considered approach to complex valve and aortic surgery.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Aortic Valve Repair

Suitability depends on the structure of the valve, the presence of calcification, and the underlying cause of valve dysfunction.

Detailed imaging assessment is used to determine whether repair is feasible and likely to provide a durable result.

Repair preserves your native valve and avoids the need for a prosthetic valve.

In appropriate patients, thie will eliminate the need for long-term blood thinners and maintain more natural valve function. These benefits depend on achieving a durable repair.

If repair is not feasible or unlikely to provide a reliable long-term result, valve replacement is performed during the same operation.

This decision is made with careful intraoperative assessment, prioritising a safe and durable outcome.

Aortic valve repair is a specialised procedure performed when the native valve can be preserved and reconstructed.

All major cardiac procedures carry recognised risks. These are assessed based on multiple factors including age, overall heart function, and whether additional aortic or heart surgery is required.

Your individual risk profile is discussed in detail during consultation, including whether repair is appropriate and likely to provide a stable long-term result.

Recovery continues over several weeks at home, with gradual return to normal activity.

Next Steps

Arranging a Consultation

If you have been diagnosed with aortic regurgitation or advised that surgery may be required, specialist assessment can clarify whether valve repair is appropriate.

Consultations include detailed imaging review and structured discussion of treatment options and long-term considerations.