About the Bentall Procedure

The Bentall procedure is a heart surgery used to correct issues with the aorta and aortic valve. It involves replacing the damaged aortic valve and aortic root with a composite graft, which includes a synthetic tube and an artificial valve. This procedure restores normal blood flow and prevents complications such as heart failure or aortic rupture.

Risks and Benefits of the Bentall Procedure

While the Bentall procedure is highly effective for treating aortic and aortic valve problems, it has both benefits and risks.

Benefits of the Bentall Procedure:

• Corrects Aortic Problems: The procedure repairs aortic aneurysms and aortic regurgitation, improving heart function.
• Improves Blood Flow: Replacing the damaged aortic valve and aorta enhances blood flow, relieving symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain.
• Long-Term Solution: It offers a long-term fix, reducing the likelihood of future surgeries and improving quality of life.
• Improves Survival Rates: In cases of severe aortic issues, the procedure significantly increases survival and reduces complications.

Risks of the Bentall Procedure:

• Surgical Risks: Common surgical risks include bleeding, infection, and reactions to anesthesia.
• Heart Complications: Some patients may experience heart rhythm issues or heart failure post-surgery.
• Blood Clots: Blood clot formation is a risk, potentially leading to stroke or other complications.
• Replacement Valve Issues: Mechanical valves may require lifelong blood thinners to prevent clots, while biological valves may need replacement after several years.

Purpose of the Bentall Procedure

The Bentall procedure is performed to treat severe problems with the aorta and aortic valve, such as aortic aneurysms or aortic regurgitation. It is essential for preventing life-threatening complications like aortic rupture and improving heart function. The procedure is also commonly recommended for patients with conditions like Marfan syndrome, which weakens the aorta. Ultimately, the goal of the Bentall procedure is to restore normal heart function, enhance blood flow, and improve quality of life.

Procedure of the Bentall Procedure

1. Anesthesia and Incision: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision through the chest, usually via a median sternotomy, to access the heart and aorta.

2. Cardiopulmonary Bypass: The patient is placed on a heart-lung machine to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation while the heart is stopped for surgery.

3. Aortic Root and Valve Removal: The surgeon removes the damaged aortic valve and the affected section of the aortic root, while taking care to preserve the coronary arteries.

4. Graft Preparation: A synthetic graft, typically made of Dacron, is prepared to replace the damaged aortic root. The graft contains both a tube to replace the aorta and an artificial valve to ensure proper blood flow.

5. Graft Implantation: The graft is sewn into place, connecting it to the healthy part of the aorta. The artificial valve is positioned within the graft for optimal functionality.

6. Coronary Artery Reattachment: The coronary arteries are reattached to the graft to ensure a steady blood supply to the heart.

7. Closing and Recovery: After the graft is secured, the heart is restarted, and the incision is closed. The patient is gradually weaned off the heart-lung machine and closely monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU).

What to Expect on the Day of Surgery

On the day of your Bentall procedure, the process is organized for your safety and comfort.

Before Surgery:

• Arrival: Arrive at the hospital at your scheduled time for check-in.
• Pre-operative Preparation: Meet with your surgical team, including the surgeon and anesthesiologist, to review the procedure and ask any final questions. A nurse will take your vital signs and insert an IV for administering medications.
• Fasting: You will need to fast for several hours before surgery, typically starting the night before.
• Medication Review: Inform the medical staff of any medications you are taking, as some may need to be paused or adjusted.

During Surgery:

• Anesthesia: You will be given general anesthesia, putting you into a deep sleep and making the procedure pain-free.
• Monitoring: Throughout the surgery, your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels will be continuously monitored.
• The Procedure: The surgeon will make an incision in your chest and perform the necessary repairs or replacement of the aortic valve and aorta. The surgery can take several hours depending on its complexity.

After Surgery: