It’s Topic Tuesday!

Welcome back, everyone!

If you’ve been told you need surgery on your aortic valve, you’ll probably hear the term SAVR, or surgical aortic valve replacement. Even though it sounds intimidating, SAVR is a well-established operation that has helped millions of people live longer, healthier lives. Let’s break down what it is and why it’s done.

What does the aortic valve do?

The aortic valve sits between the heart and the aorta, opening and closing with every heartbeat to keep blood flowing in the right direction. Over time, this valve can become narrowed (stenosis) or leaky (regurgitation). When that happens, the heart has to work harder to pump blood to the body, which can lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, or fainting.

What is SAVR?

SAVR is an open-heart operation where the surgeon removes the damaged valve and replaces it with a new one. The new valve can be:

• Mechanical, made from durable materials that can last decades but usually require lifelong blood thinners, or

• Bioprosthetic (tissue), made from animal tissue, which typically don’t require long-term blood thinners but may wear out over time.

  
  

Your age, lifestyle, and other medical conditions all play a role in deciding which type is best for you.

Aortic valves can be replaced with either a mechanical or a bioprosthetic tissue valve, each with its own benefits and management. Source: https://guysandstthomasspecialistcare.co.uk/news/life-after-aortic-valve-replacement/

When is SAVR recommended?

When it comes to getting your aortic valve replaced, SAVR is one of a couple of different options. SAVR is often recommended when:

• Aortic valve disease is severe and causing symptoms

• The valve problem is affecting heart function

• Other heart surgery (like aortic or bypass surgery) is needed at the same time

  
  

While less invasive options like TAVR (transcatheter aortic valve repair) exist, SAVR is still the gold standard for many patients, especially younger or lower-risk individuals and those needing additional heart repairs.

Recovery and life after SAVR

Recovery usually involves several days in the hospital and a few weeks at home. Most patients notice a big improvement in energy, breathing, and exercise tolerance once they’ve healed. Long-term follow-up includes regular checkups, heart imaging, and — for some valve types — medication management.

Bottom line

SAVR is a time-tested, effective treatment for serious aortic valve disease. While the idea of open-heart surgery can feel overwhelming, many patients go on to enjoy a much better quality of life after recovery. As always, the best approach is personalized — so talk with your surgical team about your specific anatomy, goals, and long-term outlook.

Till next time,

Anirudh Karla