Reoperative aortic heart surgery is a highly specialized procedure for patients who need a second operation on the aorta or aortic valve. This surgery may be required to treat complications from a previous surgery or to address new aortic disease. At UHealth – University of Miami Health System, our cardiac surgeons have deep expertise in reoperative procedures. We use advanced surgical techniques and a multidisciplinary care approach to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes, even in complex, high-risk cases.
Benefits of Reoperative Aortic Heart Surgery at UHealth
Successful reoperative aortic heart surgery can provide life-changing cardiac improvements.
Correcting Ongoing Aortic Valve Issues
This procedure is an opportunity to correct complications and issues from prior surgeries involving the aorta or aortic valve.
Improved Quality of Life
Successful reoperative aortic heart surgery may resolve symptoms like debilitating chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness. These improvements can enhance your daily living, exercise tolerance, and overall wellbeing long-term.
Preventing Life-Threatening Complications
By effectively addressing the underlying aortic or valvular issue, reoperative aortic heart surgery can prevent life-threatening complications like aortic rupture, acute aortic dissection, or severe heart failure — which can be fatal without this surgical intervention.
Is Reoperative Aortic Heart Surgery Right for You?
Reoperative Aortic Heart Surgery can be an option when new or worsening conditions involving the aorta or aortic valve need further surgical intervention after a previous cardiac or aortic procedure. The cardiac experts at UHealth can determine if you are a good candidate for reoperative aortic heart surgery following our comprehensive evaluation process. This includes a thorough review of your previous medical history, all cardiac imaging, your current health status, and a detailed assessment by our heart health team.
You may qualify for redo aortic surgery if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Progression or recurrence of a thoracic aortic aneurysm, which requires a repeat aortic aneurysm repair
- Development of a new or worsening aortic dissection, which is a life-threatening condition requiring urgent surgical intervention
- Failure or degeneration of a previously implanted aortic valve, requiring aortic valve reoperation or valve replacement (can involve prosthetic valve dysfunction or structural deterioration)
- Development of complications from a previous cardiac re-intervention, such as severe scar tissue causing obstruction, pseudoaneurysm formation, or persistent infection around previous grafts
- Advanced cardiovascular disease affecting the aorta that was not fully addressed or has progressed significantly since your initial surgery, which may require more extensive repair
Like any complex heart surgery, reoperative aortic heart surgery has some risks, which vary based on each patient's condition and prior surgical history. Your UHealth cardiac surgeon and our heart health team will answer any of your questions and explain your unique risk factors. Your personalized treatment plan, surgical approach, and post-operative care will all prioritize your safety, optimal outcomes, and long-term quality of life.
What to Expect with Reoperative Aortic Heart Surgery
Before Your Surgery
Your Diagnosis
UHealth's advanced diagnostic tools can show the exact extent of your previous surgical alterations, and reveal the specific issues involving your aorta or aortic valve that need repair. Using high-resolution CT scans with 3D reconstruction, MRI, and advanced echocardiography (ultrasound), our radiologists capture precise images of your anatomy. This detailed mapping helps our interventional cardiologists to confirm your diagnosis, and prepares our cardiac surgeons to address complex cases and any challenges.
Multidisciplinary Team Review
Your treatment plan will be reviewed by UHealth's collaborative, multidisciplinary team of heart health experts. These providers may include cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgeons; interventional cardiologists; and cardiac rehabilitation specialists. Our comprehensive approach ensures we consider every aspect of your cardiac and overall health as well as the specifics of your previous operations before you enter complex reoperative surgery.
Preparing for Your Surgery
We understand that preparing for Reoperative Aortic Heart Surgery involves more than just medical considerations. Our dedicated team is here to support you and your family every step of the way.
In the weeks leading up to your hospital admission, you will undergo comprehensive medical evaluation and meet with members of UHealth's heart health team to ensure you are prepared, mentally and physically, for heart surgery. We will also provide take-home resources to help you understand your procedure, explain your surgeon's expectations, and facilitate your recovery.
During the Procedure
UHealth's State-of-the-Art Facility
Your reoperative aortic heart surgery will be performed in UHealth's Cardiac Surgery at UHealth Tower in Miami. This facility is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by highly trained medical professionals dedicated to complex cardiac care, ensuring a safe and advanced environment for your reoperative aortic heart surgery.
Our Advanced Surgical Techniques
Reoperative Aortic Heart Surgery can involve meticulously dissecting through scar tissue from previous surgeries. Our surgeons are highly experienced with a wide range of advanced techniques, including complex re-sternotomy, careful scar tissue management, and specific repair methods like aortic root replacement, total arch replacement, and intricate valve replacement/repair of the aorta.
As our cardiac surgeons perform intricate repairs, cardiopulmonary bypass management allows the heart to be still while blood flow is supported by a heart-lung machine. Our team carefully manages this process, ensuring optimal organ protection and patient safety throughout the procedure.
Some surgeries include the need for a valve replacement due to the degeneration of previously implanted valves, the progression of valvular disease, or infection. UHealth's cardiac surgeons are experienced in selecting and implanting the most appropriate prosthetic valve for each patient's long-term heart health.
Post-Operative Care
Following your reoperative aortic heart surgery, our heart health team will monitor and support your recovery, which is crucial for managing potential complications and helping you return to daily activities.
Intensive Care
The immediate recovery phase includes monitoring by our team of critical care physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists, who focus on stabilizing your vital signs, managing fluid balance, and preventing complications.
Hospital Stay
As you recover, you will transition from intensive care to a regular hospital room, where you can begin to regain strength and mobility. Most patients stay in the hospital for one to two weeks, depending on their recovery progress, the specific nature of the surgery, and the absence of postoperative complications.
Ensuring Your Comfort
Our heart health team provides multimodal pain management tailored to your individual needs, to facilitate deep breathing, mobility, and your overall wellbeing.
Life After Reoperative Aortic Heart Surgery
Fully recovering from reoperative aortic heart surgery is a gradual process. Your UHealth heart health team will provide comprehensive support to guide you through your recovery.
Going Home
Following your discharge from the hospital, you will need to limit your physical activity restrictions at first, with a gradual return to your normal daily activities over several weeks.
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Moving early and safely is crucial for preventing complications (such as pneumonia and blood clots), while preparing you for the next stages of rehabilitation. Participation in UHealth's cardiac rehabilitation program is vital for optimizing your recovery, rebuilding strength, and promoting your long-term heart health. Rehab will help you safely increase your physical activity.
Full Recovery
You should see and feel significant improvement in your strength and stamina within weeks after Reoperative Aortic Heart Surgery. Your full recovery and ability to resume all normal activities, including work and strenuous exercise, will most likely take several months. Consistent follow-up with your UHealth team is essential for monitoring the long-term results of the surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take the Next Step with UHealth
If you or a loved one need a second opinion, or are facing the prospect of Reoperative Aortic Heart Surgery, UHealth offers unparalleled expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and compassionate care. Our dedicated team is here to provide you with a comprehensive evaluation, discuss the full spectrum of treatment options, and develop the best possible treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, aiming for the best surgical outcomes.
Call (305) 689-2784 to schedule an appointment with our cardiac surgery team today.
Our Location
Cardiac Surgery at UHealth Tower
1400 Northwest 12th Avenue, Suite 1
Miami, FL 33136
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Our Experts
Why Choose UHealth for Your Reoperative Aortic Heart Surgery?
National Recognition Means Peace of Mind. UHealth's heart surgery program has been honored with national awards for quality, safety, and patient outcomes. You and your family can be confident in your choice of a cardiac surgery program trusted by national experts and proven to deliver excellent results.
- US News & World Report – UHealth recognized as high performing for aortic valve and heart bypass surgery in 2025
- Mitral Foundation – UHealth named a Mitral Valve Repair Center of Excellence, supported by the American Heart Association
- Society of Thoracic Surgeons – UHealth earned the highest 3-Star rating for aortic valve and mitral valve surgery
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