Aortic Valve Replacement

In 1996, my father suffered a aortic anuerysim and survived with some minor complications from the surgery. Lately, he found that his heartbeat is 35 - 42 BPM. Cardiologist has determined that aortic valve is "calcified" (I might have this term wrong) and that replacement with a pig-valve is recommended. Surgery will be performed next week.

Can you please provide details on this procedure, and the potential complications, success rate, etc.

In addition, my grandfather died from a similar heart condition in 1965. Is this condition heriditary. If so, what precautions should I consider?

Many thanks.

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Dear Al,

Unfortunately i cannot provide specific details for your center.
complications are potentially many and success rates vary.  you should discuss this fully with your surgeon prior to undergoing repair.

As far as hereditary forms of calcific aortic stenosis, it may be inheritted in the presence of a bicuspid or two leaflet valve.  in your families case, it is more likely that these are senile calcificaitons that are quite common in the elderly.