Skip to content
WebMD: Better information. Better health.
 
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Medical Dictionary

Heart Failure Health Center

Tools & Resources

Font Size
A
A
A

Aortic valve replacement

The surgeon makes an incision in the chest

Aortic valve replacement surgery may be done as an open-heart surgery or as a less invasive surgery (where the surgeon makes smaller incisions and does not open the chest). This slideshow shows the surgery as an open-heart surgery. To replace the damaged aortic valve, the surgeon first makes an incision in the chest and cuts through the breastbone (sternum).

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer George Philippides, MD - Cardiology
Last Revised November 4, 2009

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 04, 2009
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

WebMD Special Sections