How To Treat And Cope With Takayasu's Arteritis

Aortic Valve Surgery

One complication of Takayasu's arteritis is called aortic valve regurgitation, which happens when the valve in the aorta doesn’t close as completely as it should, causing blood to leak or flow backward. Eventually, this can result in heart failure. During the surgery, the doctor takes away the damaged valve and replaces it with a new valve taken from a pig, cow, or cadaver. Sometimes, the doctor uses the patient’s pulmonary valve. An artificial valve can also be used in aortic valve surgery. A patient who has a biological valve will need to have it replaced in the future since it will inevitably break down. A patient who has an artificial valve will need to take anticoagulant medications for the rest of their life to guard against blood clots.

Learn about the next procedure used to treat Takayasu's arteritis now.