MyCareQuestions Clinicians
Alessia Rossi, MD, MBSS
Essex Cardiothoracic Centre, London Bridge Hospital- HCA, The Wellington Hospital- HCA
Ishtiaq Ahmed, BSc (Hons) MBChB PhD FRCS (C-Th)
Royal Sussex County Hospital, London Bridge Hospital, Versorium Clinic Sussex
David Rose, MD, MBBS, PhD
Spire Manchester Hospital, Circle Health Group, Alexandra Hospital Manchester, Lancashire Cardiac Centre, Blackpool Victoria HospitalWhat is an Aortic Valve Surgeon?
An aortic valve surgeon is a cardiac surgeon who specialises in operations on the aortic valve. This valve sits between the left pumping chamber of the heart and the aorta, the main artery carrying blood to the body.
Most patients are referred when the valve has become narrowed, leaky, infected, or badly worn over time. The surgeon works closely with cardiologists, imaging specialists and anaesthetists to decide whether the best option is surgery now, surgery later, or continued monitoring.
In many adults, the main operation is valve replacement rather than repair, but the right plan depends on the exact valve problem, your age, your overall health, and whether there is also disease in the aortic root or ascending aorta.
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Common conditions treated by an Aortic Valve Surgeon
Aortic stenosis: the valve becomes stiff and narrowed, making it harder for blood to leave the heart.
Aortic regurgitation: the valve does not close properly, so blood leaks backwards into the heart.
Bicuspid aortic valve disease: some people are born with an aortic valve that has two leaflets instead of three, which can lead to leakage, narrowing, or enlargement of the aorta over time.
Mixed aortic valve disease: some patients have both narrowing and leakage at the same time.
Infective endocarditis affecting the aortic valve: infection can damage the valve and may make surgery urgent.
Failed previous valve treatment: some patients need a redo operation because a previous tissue valve, mechanical valve, or transcatheter valve is no longer working well.
Aortic valve disease with related enlargement of the aortic root or ascending aorta: some patients need the valve problem assessed alongside the first part of the aorta.
Common procedures and treatments
Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR): the most common operation, where the damaged valve is replaced with a tissue or mechanical valve.
Aortic valve repair: possible in selected patients, especially when the main problem is leakage rather than heavy calcification.
Minimally invasive aortic valve surgery: some patients may be suitable for surgery through a smaller incision rather than a full breastbone incision.
Ross procedure: a specialist option in selected younger patients, where the patient’s own pulmonary valve is used to replace the aortic valve.
Choice of tissue versus mechanical valve: your surgeon will explain the trade-offs, including durability, blood thinners and future treatment options.
Combined valve and aorta surgery: if the valve problem is linked to enlargement of the aortic root or ascending aorta, both issues may be treated during the same operation.
Heart team discussion of alternatives: in some patients, the team will also discuss catheter-based treatment such as TAVI rather than open surgery.
When should you see an Aortic Valve Surgeon?
You may be referred if a scan shows severe aortic stenosis or severe aortic regurgitation, even if you are still managing day to day.
Common reasons for referral include breathlessness, chest discomfort, dizziness, blackouts, reduced exercise tolerance, or signs that the heart is starting to enlarge or weaken.
A surgical opinion is often most useful before the heart has been damaged by long-standing valve disease. Early referral can help you understand timing, risks and options rather than waiting until symptoms are advanced.
What to expect at your first appointment
Your first consultation is usually about understanding exactly what is wrong with the aortic valve and deciding whether surgery is needed now, later, or not at all.
Your surgeon will review your echocardiogram and may also look at CT scans, coronary artery imaging, or other heart tests depending on your age and overall condition.
They will ask about symptoms, fitness, previous heart problems, lung or kidney disease, dental health, infections and any previous chest surgery or catheter procedures.
You should expect a balanced discussion about valve replacement versus repair, tissue versus mechanical valves, surgery versus TAVI, likely recovery time, and whether a minimally invasive approach may be realistic in your case.
Top 5 questions to ask your Aortic Valve Surgeon
Do I have aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, or both – and how severe is it?
Why you should ask this:
Do you think I need surgery now, or is careful monitoring still safe?
Why you should ask this:
Would I be better suited to surgical valve replacement, valve repair, or TAVI?
Why you should ask this:
Should I choose a tissue valve or a mechanical valve, and what are the long-term trade-offs?
Why you should ask this:
Is there any problem with my aorta as well as my valve, and would that change the operation?
Why you should ask this:
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a cardiologist and an aortic valve surgeon?
Do all patients with aortic valve disease need surgery?
Is aortic valve replacement always better than repair?
Can aortic valve surgery be done without fully opening the chest?
How long is recovery after aortic valve surgery?
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