Study finds preserving heart valve during aortic surgery can improve long-term outcomes

A study from Narayana Health in Bengaluru suggests that valve-sparing root replacement surgery is a viable, long-term alternative to artificial heart valves for patients with enlarged aortic roots. This procedure allows patients to avoid the lifelong use of blood-thinning medications.
Why it matters
Improving surgical outcomes for cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death in India, can significantly enhance the quality of life for patients and reduce long-term medical dependency.
Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 19.8 million deaths, or about 32% of all deaths, in 2022, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In India, they account for 27% of all deaths and 45% of deaths among people aged 40-69 years. A new study has found that patients undergoing surgery for an enlarged aortic root, the first part of the body’s main artery, may not always need an artificial heart valve, with a valve-preserving procedure providing good long-term outcomes in carefully selected patients.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in