Aortic Valve Repair

  I have a bicuspid aortic valve, which is now producing a "severe" level of regurgitation. I understand that the CCF has been successful in repairing (rather than replacing) bicuspid aortic valves. What is involved in this surgery and what is the CCF's success rate in repairing such conditions? Thank you.
Dear Rick
Repairing the valve still requires open heart surgery. Potentially, the surgery can be done with a smaller incision than in the past ("minimally invasive"). It is in our opinion preferable to repair a valve if possible. Success rates are high at experienced centers; exactly how high depends on the specific features of the valve in question (as determined on cardiac echo). You would be welcome to make an appointment here.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.