Reemplazo de la Válvula Aórtica

If you would like to see more scientifically accurate 3D medical images, subscribe to our channel:    / nucleushealthvideose   MEDICAL ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT: Your surgeon will perform an aortic valve replacement if your aortic valve is not functioning properly. The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body. It is made up of four chambers. The upper chambers are the left and right atria. The lower chambers are the left and right ventricles. The left and right atria connect to their respective ventricles. The right ventricle connects to the pulmonary artery, and the left ventricle connects to the aorta. Valves are located at these connections to ensure that blood moves in only one direction. The parts of a valve that open and close are flaps of tissue called leaflets. The aortic valve is located between the left ventricle and the aorta. When the heart contracts, the aortic valve opens, and blood is pumped into the aorta. When the heart relaxes, it closes to prevent blood from flowing back into the left ventricle. A normal aortic valve has three smooth leaflets that open wide and close tightly. Your aortic valve may leak or be too narrow, causing your heart to work harder and disrupting blood flow. A leaky valve doesn't close completely, causing blood to flow back into the ventricle between heartbeats. This condition is called aortic insufficiency. A narrowed aortic valve doesn't open fully, restricting the amount of blood that flows from the ventricle into the aorta. This condition is called aortic stenosis. You may have been born with an abnormal aortic valve. For example, your aortic valve may have only two leaflets instead of three, so they don't open and close properly. Your aortic valve may have been damaged during your lifetime, a condition called acquired aortic valve disease. Causes include rheumatic fever, which can be a complication of an untreated strep throat infection; endocarditis, which is a bacterial infection of the valve; and sclerosis, or hardening, of the aortic leaflets. Over time, a defective aortic valve can cause the heart muscle to enlarge and weaken. Depending on the nature of the valve defect, the walls of the left ventricle may become abnormally thick or thin, and eventually, the problem can also affect the right side of the heart. Patients with this condition, known as heart failure, may experience shortness of breath, chest pain or angina, dizziness, lightheadedness and/or fainting, swelling in the ankles, feet, and legs, and fatigue. Aortic valve replacement is performed to restore the valve to its normal function. Before the procedure, an IV line will be placed in your arm to provide fluids and medications. A catheter will be inserted into your bladder to drain urine. Aortic valve replacements are performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep throughout the operation and a tube will be placed through your mouth into your windpipe to help you breathe during the surgery. Once the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon will begin by making an incision in your chest. The traditional incision is made in the middle of the chest above the breastbone (sternum). The surgeon then separates the breastbone to expose the pericardium, which is a protective membrane surrounding the heart. Next, the surgeon will open the pericardium to expose the heart. At this time, your heart will be connected to a heart-lung machine. Tubes are used to redirect your blood to this machine, which takes over the functions of your heart and lungs during the operation. Once the heart-lung machine is performing these functions, your heart will be temporarily stopped and the blood inside will be drained. This keeps the aortic valve still and allows the surgeon to see it. Your surgeon will open the aorta to expose the aortic valve. They will make an incision around the edge of the damaged valve and remove it. Then, your surgeon will carefully suture the replacement valve in place and close the aorta with stitches. At this point, blood will be allowed to flow back into your heart to check the function of the new valve. If necessary, an electrical shock will be administered to restart the heart. Once your heart is beating on its own, you will be taken off the heart-lung machine. Temporary pacemaker leads will usually be placed on the surface of your heart to ensure it maintains a normal rhythm during your recovery. After surgery, you will be taken to the intensive care unit where your vital signs will be monitored. ANH00026es