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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Infection from surgery, and aortic bicuspid valve
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.
Infection from surgery, and aortic bicuspid valve
by Nathalie__0, Aug 17, 1998 12:00AM
Hello,
Just one quick question. Could an infection from knee surgery (or any kind of surgery) worsen a person's problem with aortic bicuspid valve and cause an infection in the heart? The person I'm asking this for has an aortic bicuspid valve, but otherwise is totally healthy. Thanks for all your help. I've asked a couple of other questions and you have been very helpful!
Nathalie
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Dear Nathalie
Bicuspid valves (or any abnormal valves) are more likely to get infected after invasive procedures. A heart valve infection can damage a valve, making it leak significantly. Antibiotics are the initial treatment, but if a valve is damaged severely enough, surgery may ultimately be required.
I hope this answers your questions. Feel free to write back.
If you would like to set up an appointment with one of our cardiologists here at the Cleveland Clinic please feel free to call 1-800-CCF-CARE.
Information provided in the Heart Forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only. Actual diagnosis and treatment of any particular medical condition can only be made by your physician(s).
