On Thursday, April 2, 2009, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time, surgeons and others are invited to join cardiothoracic surgeon John E. Streitman, M.D., as he presents a webcast of a minimally invasive aortic valve replacement from the Heart Institute at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, N.C. Dr. Streitman will be joined by James V. Winkley, M.D., who will moderate the broadcast. Previously at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Dr. Winkley joined the Heart Institute at FirstHealth Moore Regional in 2006 and specializes in cardiovascular anesthesiology for a wide range of procedures, including valve replacement.

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement mimics  MORE...

On Thursday, April 2, 2009, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time, surgeons and others are invited to join cardiothoracic surgeon John E. Streitman, M.D., as he presents a webcast of a minimally invasive aortic valve replacement from the Heart Institute at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, N.C. Dr. Streitman will be joined by James V. Winkley, M.D., who will moderate the broadcast. Previously at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Dr. Winkley joined the Heart Institute at FirstHealth Moore Regional in 2006 and specializes in cardiovascular anesthesiology for a wide range of procedures, including valve replacement.

Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement mimics the traditional form of surgery. However, as a less invasive approach, it translates into less pain, limited blood loss, a shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery for the patient. The traditional form of surgery requires the patient to undergo a complete sternotomy in order to access the heart.

The aortic valve is located between the pumping chamber (ventricle) on the left side of the heart and the aorta (a major artery). The aorta carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart so that it can move through the body. The aortic valve should be closed while the heart is filling with blood. When the heart chamber squeezes to push blood into the aorta, the valve should open fully to allow blood flow.

Aortic valve replacement is performed when the aortic valve is not working properly. The amount of oxygen-rich blood getting out to the body can be significantly decreased with a faulty valve.

Sometimes, the aortic valve is misshapen due to a birth defect. At other times, the aortic valve will work well for years before becoming too stiff or too floppy to open and close fully. This is called acquired aortic valve disease, and it sometimes occurs due to normal aging when calcium build-up on the valve causes it to malfunction.

The valve problem may also occur as a result of other conditions, such as rheumatic valve disease, enocarditis, aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, aortic valve stenosis or aortic valve regurgitation.

There are several options for aortic valve replacement. A biologic (tissue) valve made of tissue from a human cadaver donor, pig (porcine) valve tissue or cow (bovine) tissue may be used. A mechanical valve may also be an option.

During the upcoming webcast, you will be able to watch as Dr. Streitman uses a bovine valve to replace the severely blocked valve of an older patient. He will use a minimally invasive technique of one small incision about 2.5 to 3 inches long to access the heart's valve. Once the patient is placed on the heart-lung machine, Dr. Streitman will create an incision in the aorta. The damaged valve will be cut out, and the new valve will be sewn into place. The aorta will then be sewn back together.

Aortic valves generally cannot be repaired, especially if they are calcified, and are almost always replaced. When an aortic valve is blocked, a patient may have a variety of symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest pain, and possible dizziness or fainting spells.

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