Bentall Procedure
Bentall procedure is a cardiac surgery operation involving composite graft replacement of the aortic valve, aortic root and ascending aorta with re-implantation of the coronary arteries into the graft. This operation is used to treat combined aortic valve and ascending aorta disease, including lesions associated with Marfan syndrome.
When Bentall Procedure is recommended
Bentall Procedure is generally recommended on:
- Leaking of the aortic valve also known as aortic regurgitation.
- Genetic disorder that causes aortic wall weakness, Marfan’s syndrome
- Separation of the layers of the aortic wall also known as aortic dissection.
- Aortic aneurysm
The Procedure:
Before the procedure
- Do not eat or drink at least 12 hours before the surgery.
- For Diabetic patients, medication for diabetes should be stopped at least 3 days before your surgery
- Doctor may advise to undergo certain investigations like ECG, chest X-ray, blood tests, nose and groin swabs and carotid dopplers (which is an ultrasound of the blood vessels in the neck that supply the brain), prior to surgery.
During the procedure
The procedure is done under the influence of anaesthesia. An incision is made along the middle of the chest so that the heart is exposed. The heart’s activity is temporarily stopped and blood flow is redirected to a bypass machine. The affected part of the aorta and aortic valves are removed & the coronary arteries are also removed temporarily. An artificial aortic graft with a built in valve is inserted. Two holes are made in the graft and the coronary arteries are re-attached.
After the procedure
- The patient will spend one or two days in an intensive care unit (ICU) to monitor the heart, blood pressure, body temperature and breathing.
- The wound may be sore & medications are prescribed to help with the pain.
Before discharge, the doctor will give a set of instructions to be followed, like:
- Increase the activity as tolerable.
- Avoid any vigorous activity for up to 12 weeks after the surgery.
- Do not lift any kind of heavy weights for the first few weeks after the surgery.
Probable risk & complications of Bentall Procedure:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Pneumonia
- Septic shock
- Bleeding & Wound infections
- Neurological disorder
- Failure of liver and kidney.
FAQs
Is Bentall procedure painful?
The patient does not feel any pain during the surgery, as the procedure is done under the influence of anaesthesia.
What is the success rate of Bentall procedure?
The success rate of Bentall procedure is about 90% with good hospitals.