Effect of aortic valve replacement on left ventricle and carotid arteries
Due to increased flow resistance in aortic valve stenosis the left ventricle hypertrophies and finally dilates. After aortic valve replacement the left ventricular changes are partially reversible. The purpose of the present research project is to study the pattern of left ventricular changes and carotid artery wall stiffness changes before and after operation in aortic stenosis patients undergoing valve replacement with different types of valve prostheses.
Methods
3D echocardiography including measurement of 3D volume and flow, together with longitudinal and circumferential measurements of wall deformation in carotid arteries are performed before and after operation
Results
Preoperative recordings performed in 20 patients with aortic valve replacement are followed up between 6 months and 1 year after operation. Preliminary analysis of preoperative findings show changes both in the filling and emptying pattern of the left ventricle compared to findings in healthy patients.
Collaborations
The project is a cooperation between STH KTH and the National Hospital of Norway.
Contact persons
Monica Bernadzikiewicz and Lars-Åke Brodin
Key words
Aortic stenosis, 3D echocardiography, left ventricular hypertrophy, heart valve prostheses