AV nodal blocks are commonly seen after which type of valve replacement?

The correct answer pertains to mitral valve replacement. This is because the mitral valve is located in close proximity to the conduction system of the heart, particularly the atrioventricular (AV) node and the surrounding tissues. During a mitral valve replacement procedure, there can be manipulation or injury to the conduction pathways, resulting in an increased risk of developing AV nodal blocks post-operatively.

This complication can manifest as varying degrees of heart block, which may interfere with the heart's normal electrical conduction. Careful monitoring of cardiac rhythms after surgery is essential to detect any potential arising issues quickly.

In contrast, the other types of valve replacements, such as aortic, tricuspid, or pulmonary, typically have a lower risk associated with AV nodal blocks as their anatomical locations do not involve the conduction system as closely as the mitral valve does.