Aortic insufficiency. Gross specimen of a section through a heart, showing the aortic valve (upper centre, white) in a case of aortic insufficiency. The aorta is the main artery carrying blood from the heart to most parts of the body. The aortic valve prevents backflow of blood into the heart. In aortic insufficiency, this valve is not functioning correctly, and blood backflow occurs. If left untreated, congestive heart failure will result. The condition normally requires the aortic valve to be replaced.