(Ann Thorac Surg 2016;102:48–55) 2016 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Life-long oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT) is required after the implantation of a mechanical They last long but boost your chances of having blood clots. That is a great question! After an aortic valve replacement, you will be taken to an intensive care unit (ICU). Irregular heartbeat, reactions to anesthesia, and the development of blood clots may also occur as a result of this procedure. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a way to replace the aortic valve without open-heart surgery. after my week in the hospital I was able to do stairs with little to no discomfort. Currently I am a fit club cyclist averaging 150M per week and have shown no signs that I had a problem. When your heart valve has been replaced and the surgery is completed, your heart will be beating on its own and all incisions will be sewn or stapled closed. You'll need to take things easy at first. The repairs have now remained stable for ≤65 months (mean, 22±20 months). Hi all. after aortic valve replacement surgery, you’ll likely spend about a week in the hospital. August 2013 edited October 2013 in Training, fitness and health. Following the surgery, you'll spend some time in the ICU, where you will be closely monitored to make sure there are no complications. Many thanks for the information and I will definitely take a look at those sites. Conditions that may require this procedure include aortic stenosis and aortic insufficiency. If anyone is facing heart surgery then please feel free to contact me for any advice or information. aortic valve replacement (AVR) since recommendation date. Pleased that it all went ok and that life is returning to normal, Boardman Road Comp - OK, I went to Halfords. The time it takes to fully recover varies depending on factors like your age and overall health. Your doctor or surgeon can give you specific advice about when you can return to your normal activities, but generally speaking: While at home, you may experience some temporary side effects that should start to improve as you recover. A keen cyclist since the age of 45, Pete has ridden in numerous long-distance cycle races, both pre and post-surgery, including the inaugural 101km Grape Ride in Marlborough. This procedure is done to treat aortic valve stenosis. The aorta is the large blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to your body. I am 8 months postop for a double heart valve replacement (mitral and aortic) and a bypass. trevorb Posts: 49. After an aortic valve replacement, you'll usually need to stay in hospital for about a week. I am looking forward to getting back on the bike and seeing how my heart, lungs and legs react after 2 months of inactivity. Your breastbone will usually heal in about 6 to 8 weeks, but it may be 2 to 3 months before you feel your normal self again. New York H… I went on cardiacathletes.com for some time but packed it in after a year as I found that for psychological reasons its best to not label myself like that. Mechanical valves are carbon, metal, or plastic. Table 2. Some of the most common complications of aortic valve replacement include infection, bleeding, and nausea. I have been informed that I need a Aortic (bicuspid) valve replacement next month. Long-term survival data following AVR is required. Now things are not so bad although the sternum wiring gives me trouble and may need tweaking a bit as its threatening to cut through the skin. Objective Surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) remains the gold standard therapy for severe aortic stenosis. Starting gentle exercise, such as walking, can be helpful when you feel up to it, but don't try to do too much too quickly. 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