Named after Hugh Henry Bentall (died September 2012 at the age of 92) the Bentall procedure is surgery to help correct problems with your aorta. The aorta’s job is to carry oxygenated blood from your heart to the rest of your body. At a size of around 30 centimeters long and 2.5 cm wide, your aorta is the largest artery in your body. The Bentall procedure is a surgery to replace part of the aorta and the aortic valve of the heart because of a bulge (aneurysm) in the aorta.

Symptoms

Your heart surgeon may recommend Bentall’s procedure if you have problems with your aorta including but not limited to:

  • Aortic aneurysm – widening of your aorta
  • Aortic regurgitation – when your aortic valve does not close properly
  • Marfan’s syndrome – a disease from birth which weakens aortic wall thickness
  • Aortic dissection- when the inner layer of aorta tears

Risks of Bentall’s procedure

While the risks depend on your health prior to surgery , most common risks include:

  • Bleeding
  • Abnormal heart rhythm
  • Short term memory problem which usually improve with time
  • Temporary blurred vision
  • Infection
  • Heart attack
  • Lung and kidney problems
  • Blood clot in lungs or legs
  • Death

Your surgeon will discuss in detail the risks associated in your case. We also encourage to discuss your concerns prior to surgery.

What happens during the procedure?

Your heart’s activity is temporarily stopped so your heart surgeon can perform the operation and blood flow is redirected to a heart lung bypass machine.

The diseased part of your aorta is excised (cut out), and the valve is inspected. The diseased aortic valves are removed. The coronary arteries , along with a large button of the surrounding  wall of the aorta are dissected.

An artificial graft is then inserted at ends of the aorta and coronary artery buttons are sewn. The valve replacement is then usually tested by your surgeon to identify its competence and any leakage.

Life after cardiac surgery

It is important to work with your doctor to help you stay healthy . This may include taking medications as prescribed by your doctor, making healthy lifestyle changes, getting regular medical checkups, and participating in cardiac rehabilitation.