Valve Repair and Replacement
in the Elderly
Aortic valve disease (AVD) is a growing problem
for the geriatric population. Because of the specialized
expertise of Penn Cardiac Care cardiologists,
surgeons, geriatric specialists, rehabilitation
medicine specialists, our team is able to admit
and successfully treat patients that many hospitals
reject. Our capabilities, resources, and experience
in repairing and replacing valves have positioned
Penn Cardiac Care as the leader for valve surgery
for the elderly in the Delaware Valley.
Our aortic valve replacement success rate is
high - between 80% and 90% - for the geriatric
population. Appropriate candidates for aortic
valve replacement surgery include patients, who:
- have not been physically compromised by prior
major illness, such as stroke, kidney failure,
or heart, liver or lung disease
- are neurologically intact and able to cooperate
with post-operative recovery routines
The surgical technique for an aortic valve replacement
is standard open-heart surgery. The life expectancy
of the tissue valve is between 10 and 15 years.
Penn Cardiac Care physicians provide complete
post-operative care. Because geriatric patients
are at risk during the post-operative period for
heart attack, heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmia,
patients are closely monitored in the state-of-the-art
cardiac ICU for approximately 24 hours following
surgery.
|
