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Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) affects 1-2 percent of the general population and is one of the most common congenital heart disorders (arises during fetal development) affecting both the aortic valve and thoracic aorta.¹ The normal aortic valve consists of three cusps or leaflets (tri-leaflet) that regulate oxygen rich blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta, where blood is delivered to the rest of the body. For patients with BAV, their aortic valves are comprised of only two cusps (bi-leaflet) instead of three. Most patients develop a complication related to their BAV in their lifetime.² These complications include:

• Aortic stenosis - aortic valve opening does not open wide enough causing restricted blood flow

• Aortic regurgitation/insufficiency - aortic valve does not close completely causing the valve to leak

• Infective endocarditis - infection of the lining of the heart chambers and heart valves

• Aortic root aneurysm - ballooning of the vessel wall at the very first portion of the aorta that is connected to the heart

• Ascending aortic aneurysm - ballooning of the vessel wall in the first part of the aorta - major blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart

• Coarctation of the aorta - narrowing of the aorta at some point along the aorta

• Aortic dissection - bleeding into and along the wall of the aorta

The Center for Heart Valve Disease offers cutting edge diagnostic testing as well as medical and surgical treatment options for patients with BAV. Robert O. Bonow, MD, a national leader in the field of cardiology, is the director of the BAV Clinic. S. Chris Malaisrie, MD, Director of Thoracic Aortic Surgery program, is joined with Patrick M. McCarthy, MD, an internationally known cardiac surgeon specializing in valve repairs, to provide surgical care for BAV. Together these physicians lead an expert team of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, advance practice nurses, cardiac rehabilitation specialists, psychologists and social workers who contribute their expertise in the management of this disease.

Contact
For more information regarding BAV and available treatments, please contact the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at (312) 695-4965, or request an appointment online.

In addition, a credible source of information about BAV is the Bicuspid Aortic Foundation (BAF). Please visit the BAF Web site.

Visit the Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Health Learning Center and Alberto Culver Women's Health Learning Center. These state-of-the-art health information libraries are among the largest hospital-based learning facilities of their kind. For more information call (312) 926-5465.

Review Date: 08/08

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1. Am J Cardiol. 1998 Jun 15;81(12):1461-4.

2. Circulation Fedak et al. 106(8):900.