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Biological tissue valves used in aortic valve replacement surgery consist of donated human tissue, animal tissue (pigs, cows) or the patient's own valve (via the Ross Procedure).
There are advantages and disadvantages associated with both forms of valve replacement types. Your doctor will be able to help recommend the appropriate, aortic valve replacement given several factors including your health, diagnosis and age.
Aortic Valve Replacement Surgery Options
Like most heart valve operations, aortic valve replacement surgery is typically an "open heart" procedure performed by heart surgeons, also known as cardiothoracic surgeons.
Traditional aortic valve replacement surgeries require the breast bone (sternum) to be split down the middle using a known as as a median sternotomy. This provides the surgeon with full access to the heart and chest cavity.
However, new minimally invasive procedures are being developed and used with patients - including robotic and cathether approaches. Such non-invasive procedures for aortic valve replacements have seen encouraging results as the chestplate is not broken and recovery is accelerated.
One additional option for patients to consider is the Ross Procedure (referenced above). In this unique form of aortic valve replacement surgery, the patient's own pulmonary valve is used to replace the defective aortic valve. Then, the surgeon uses a homograft valve (from a human donor) and inserts that replacement valve into the pulmonary position.
My Personal Story With Aortic Valve Replacement? I had severe stenosis and regurgitation when I learned that I needed my aortic valve replaced. Given my options, I chose the Ross Procedure after much research and consideration. Interestingly enough, the real challenge of aortic valve replacement was not the surgery... It was the recovery.
>> NEXT: To learn more about aortic valve replacement surgery, including what happens before, during and after surgery, please click here. 
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