Homoeopathic Association in Aortic Valve Surgery

Randomized, parallel group, placebo controlled study to assess the effect of an homoeopathic association of Arnica 5 CH et Bryonia 9 CH during aortic valve surgery with extra corporeal circulation, to alleviate inflammation, haemorrhage, myocardial ischemia and pain. This is a pilot study; a confirmative study will be set up if this study is positive. The study treatment will start the day before surgery, and will comprise 5 granules of each homoeopathic medication, Arnica 5 CH and Bryonia 9 CH, or their matching placebo TID during 5 days, in addition to all routine treatments.) Two groups of 45 patients will be included. Patients have to be over 18 years, to undergo aortic valve surgery only, have no known allergy to one of the study drugs, sign a consent form, and must not have received anti inflammatory drug in the 3 days before surgery. The primary criteria include the amount of drained liquid from the chest, and the CRP evolution from baseline to the 7th postoperative day. Secondary criteria address inflammation, haemorrhage, ischaemia, and pain. A follow-up phone call is given to the patients 30 days after their surgery.