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Aortic Valve Program

AHN Aortic Valve Program overview


Heart valve disease happens when at least one of the heart’s four valves is damaged or doesn't pump blood properly. The aortic valve is one of four valves within the heart that helps to maintain proper blood flow through the heart into the aorta. If the aortic valve is damaged or diseased, the heart has to work harder to provide blood to the rest of the body. As a result, the heart works harder to deliver oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to the body’s vital organs and tissue.

Aortic valve disease may be caused by a congenital (present from birth) heart defect or various conditions. When the aortic valve is diseased, its malfunction can also cause damage to the lining of the aorta. This can cause the wall of the aorta to stretch or tear.

The AHN Aortic Valve Program focuses specifically on the aortic valve because there are issues and treatment options unique to this specific heart valve. Our top aortic valve surgeons and specialists from different backgrounds work together to provide individualized care for patients with aortic valve issues. By focusing on aortic valve disease, we can help people experiencing one or more conditions related to the heart’s valves. 

Our multidisciplinary program offers a range of treatment options that aim to ease symptoms. Minimally invasive valve replacement surgery and other treatments can help improve heart function and reduce the risk of heart failure. Depending on your diagnosis, the following divisions may be involved: 

  • Cardiac Surgery Division
  • Interventional Cardiology Division 
  • Cardiovascular Imaging Division
  • General Cardiology Division  

How we treat aortic valve conditions 

We stay up to date on the latest treatments and innovations for aortic valve replacement management and repair. From initial diagnosis to aortic valve replacement aftercare, our highly experienced specialists are here to help every step of the way. 

Conditions we treat 

The AHN Aortic Valve Program treats the following conditions:

  • Aortic insufficiency: This happens when the aortic valve doesn’t close correctly, which allows blood to leak backward.
  • Aortic stenosis: The most common type of valve condition, aortic stenosis is a serious problem that restricts blood flow to the aorta due to a narrowing in the opening of the aortic valve.
  • Bicuspid aortic valve disease: An aortic valve that consists of only two flaps instead of its usual three. If further complications arise — such as heart failure, aortic stenosis, or aortic regurgitation — the condition is called bicuspid aortic valve disease and requires bicuspid aortic valve management. 
  • Aortic valve endocarditis: This happens when the heart’s inner lining becomes inflamed. This is a serious condition typically caused by an infection within the body.
  • Aortic aneurysm or dissection: The aorta is the main artery of the body which supplies oxygen-rich blood to the circulatory system. The blood leaves the heart through the aortic valve and travels through the aorta to the rest of the body. If the lining of the aorta becomes damaged, dilated, or weakened, it may require medication adjustment or even surgery. Learn more about aortic aneurysm or dissection.
Dr. Stephen Bailey of AHN Cardiovascular Institute in a surgery suite at Allegheny General Hospital

“Part of the whole evaluation and treatment planning is being cared for by a multidisciplinary team that has expertise in a whole variety of treatment options, and great understanding and experience in matching a person’s clinical circumstance and clinical anatomy with the best treatment for them.” 

— Dr. Stephen H. Bailey, Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery 

Aortic valve treatment

We offer treatments for even the most complex forms of valve disease — including high-risk patients. By using state-of-the-art devices and offering procedures like transcatheter aortic valve replacement, we can treat even more complicated situations.

In addition to traditional treatment options, the AHN Cardiovascular Institute also provides the following procedures for aortic valve replacement management and repair, including:

  • Standard valve replacement. Surgical aortic valve replacement surgery is performed through an open chest incision while the patient’s heart is placed on a heart-lung bypass machine.
  • Minimally invasive valve replacement. A procedure involving either a small incision between the ribs or a partial opening of the chest, and high-definition 3D video monitoring. This method often results in minimal scarring, less pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery.
  • Transcatheter aortic valve replacement. A procedure that replaces a diseased or damaged aortic valve with an artificial valve. This procedure typically involves no incisions and is performed through an artery in the groin. Learn more about transcatheter aortic valve replacement. 
  • Balloon valvuloplasty. A temporizing minimally invasive procedure that uses a balloon-tipped catheter to widen a narrow heart valve.
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