Aortic valve replacement surgery typically takes 3 to 5 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s overall health. There are two main types of aortic valve replacement surgeries: open-heart surgery and minimally invasive procedures like transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Here's a breakdown of the timeline for each:

Open-Heart Aortic Valve Replacement

Preparation and Anesthesia:
Before the surgery begins, the patient is put under general anesthesia. This phase usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Surgery Duration:
The actual surgery, which involves opening the chest, stopping the heart, and replacing the aortic valve, can take 2 to 4 hours. This includes removing the damaged valve and placing the new one, which may be mechanical or biological.

Recovery in Operating Room:
After the valve replacement, the heart is restarted, and the chest is closed. The patient will be monitored in the operating room for about 30 to 60 minutes before being moved to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Preparation and Anesthesia:
TAVR is usually done under conscious sedation or general anesthesia, taking about 30 to 60 minutes to prepare.

Surgery Duration:
The procedure, which is less invasive than open-heart surgery, takes 1 to 2 hours. A catheter is used to place the new valve without fully opening the chest.

Recovery in Operating Room:
After TAVR, patients typically recover in the operating room for 30 minutes before being transferred to the recovery area or ICU.

Factors Affecting Surgery Time

Several factors can impact the length of the surgery, including:

• The patient’s overall health and any underlying medical conditions.
• Whether the patient has had previous heart surgeries.
• Complications that may arise during the procedure.

Conclusion

Aortic valve replacement surgery, whether via open-heart or minimally invasive techniques like TAVR, is a complex procedure that generally takes between 3 to 5 hours. Recovery times and outcomes depend on the patient’s condition and type of surgery. Consulting with a healthcare team to understand the procedure and its implications can ensure a successful surgery and smooth recovery.