Inflammatory Response to Aortic Valve Replacement

After insertion of a guidewire, either through the femoral artery or through the ascending aorta, the aortic ostium is dilated by a balloon and the valve is introduced through a catheter and expanded in the ostium.

The patient is operated through a sternotomy and coupled to a heart lung machine. The aorta is opened and the native valve excised. Then a biological artificial heart valve is sutured in place.