The Aortic Valve is located in between the heart and aorta (Tortora. Gerard ). The Aorta is main artery from the heart that distributes a rich oxygen supply of blood throughout the body. But, what happens when the aorta has problems with its valve? Thanks to advances in the medical field, patients have not only one option but actually several options to extend the patient lives.

According to the University of Southern California, the aortic valve can have stenosis, regurgitation, a birth defect (which is known as Bicuspid aortic valve), or damage that  can be acquired with age (which is known as Aortic Valve Replacement).  People with a malfunctioning valve can chose the best option for them after speaking with their doctor.  The most common replacement is bioprosthesis valves which is a replacement that can be made from tissues and include artificial parts to help with support (Cleveland Clinic).  The others choices can be Biological valves which can be made from pig tissue (porcine), cow tissue pericardial (bovine), or pericardial tissue from other species, by a donor, or a mechanical made from man-made materials (Cleveland Clinic).

Even though the valve replacement surgery helps improve the quality of life, there are risks in and after surgery. People have the risk of clotting around the sight especially if the mechanical valve is chosen, tearing the stitches or dislodging the piece with being to active right after surgery (Cleveland Clinic).  People must go on a anticoagulants (blood thinning medicine) for the rest of their lives and also must watch their vitamin A intake because this also makes the blood viscosity.  Thanks to modern medicine, people are able to live longer.

Citations :

Aortic Valve Replacement. University of Southern California. Http://www.cts.usc.edu./aorticvalvereplacement.html.07-2013.

Aortic Valve Surgery. Cleveland Clinic. http://wwwMy.clevelandclinic.org/heart/disorders/valve/aorticvalvereplacement. 07-          2013.

Tortora. Gerard J., Derrickson, Bryan. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 13th John Wiley &sons, INC. 2011. 757-784.