What is Aortic Root Repair or Replacement?

The aorta is the largest blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The aortic root is the part of the aorta that is closest to and in communication with the heart. An aneurysm is a rare bulge of the artery wall. If the aneurysm is in the aortic root, then the aorta can enlarge, and the aortic valve can suffer leakage (regurgitation). If the aneurysm enlarges further, it may rupture.

The aortic wall's layers also become detached (aortic dissection), which can result in life-threatening internal bleeding. Aortic root surgery is a procedure that is intended to prevent or correct an aortic aneurysm. This surgery can be performed using different techniques: Non-Invasive or open-heart surgery. The technique to be used will be based on your health situation.

What are the categories of Aortic Root Repair or Replacement?

• Valve-Sparing Aortic Root Replacement (David or Yacoub): This procedure fixes aortic root aneurysms without removing the patient's native aortic valve. Preserving the original valve allows patients to potentially forgo years of blood-thinning drugs and enhance valve longevity.
• Composite Aortic Root Replacement (Modified Bentall): This procedure fixes the aortic root and exchanges the defective aortic valve for a prosthetic or synthetic one.
• Homograft Valve/Root Replacement: This option is for complex cases, such as endocarditis or prior root surgeries, and uses a tissue graft from a donated human heart.

How to prepare for the procedure for Aortic Root Repair or Replacement?

Before the procedure, your doctor and treatment team will explain what to expect and the risks involved. Here are important steps to follow:

• Tell about all drugs, herbal preparations, and dietary supplements that you take. Have your doctor advise each of you.
• If you have diabetes, discuss changes in your medication on the day of the procedure.
• Talk about radiation exposure concerns, particularly if you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor about any allergies to drugs, latex, tape, iodine, or anesthetic drugs.
• Discuss any history of bleeding disorders.
• Inform the physician of any implanted devices, such as a pacemaker or ICD.
• Report any body piercings located on your abdomen or chest.

Other suggestions are:

• Eat a regular meal the night before your procedure but avoid eating, drinking, or chewing after midnight. If you must take medications, only take sips of water.
• Leave jewelry at home, and leave all makeup and nail polish off. Dress in comfortable clothes, and if you wear dentures, glasses, or a hearing device, wear them.

What to Expect Before the Aortic Root Repair or Replacement Procedure?

Your physician may have your doctor perform various tests before surgery, including:

• Cardiac Catheterization
• Computed tomography (CT scan)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Echocardiogram (ECHO)

What to Expect during the Aortic Root Repair or Replacement Procedure?

Aortic root surgery can take 4 to 6 hours, plus prep time and recovery time. It's often performed in a cardiothoracic operating room. This is a summary of the Modified Bentall procedure:

• You will be given a hospital gown, and an IV line will be inserted by a nurse for medicines and fluids.
• You will be sedated and given a local anesthetic before the operation. A breathing tube might be put in to attach you to a breathing machine.
• General anesthesia will be given so that you will sleep.
• The breastbone (sternum) will be cut by the surgeon to reach your heart for open-heart surgery.
• Tubes will be inserted into your heart so that a heart-lung machine can pump blood and supply oxygen.
• Your heart will be cooled with a cold solution so that the aortic root can be repaired and the aortic valve replaced with a prosthetic valve.
• The surgeon will test for normal function before returning blood from the bypass machine to your heart.
• If your heart fails to restart, a small electric shock might be applied, and temporary pacing wires might be inserted.
• After it's finished, the heart-lung machine is disconnected, and your sternum is closed with stitches or staples.

Always get a specific explanation for your surgery from your doctor.

What to Expect after the Procedure for Aortic Root Repair or Replacement?

During surgery, you will be transported to the CTICU, where you'll be monitored for several days. How long you need to stay at the hospital ranges from several days to more.

Here are a few general principles:

• Your breathing tube will be taken out after you recover from anesthesia.
• You will be begun on liquids after surgery the following day and will progress to eating solid food as tolerated.
• You will have an initial move toward walking by the first or second post-surgery day.
• You will be given a urinary catheter and chest tubes for drainage.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Pediatric Aortic Root Repair / Replacement?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is known for successfully treating Pediatric Aortic Root Repair / Replacement with expert pediatric cardiac surgeons and modern facilities in Lucknow, India. Our hospital offers personalized care, safe surgery, and strong post-operative support, helping children with aortic root repair or replacement recover well and enjoy a healthier, active life.

To seek an expert consultation for Pediatric Aortic Root Repair / Replacement in Lucknow, India.

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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