Aortic Valve Replacement: Indications and Treatment Choices
The aortic valve controls blood flow from the heart's main pumping chamber to the rest of the body. When this valve becomes diseased, it may need to be replaced to restore normal heart function and prevent serious complications.
When Is Aortic Valve Replacement Needed?
Valve replacement may be recommended for:
- Aortic Stenosis: Narrowing of the valve that restricts blood flow. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and fainting.
- Aortic Regurgitation: When the valve doesn't close properly, allowing blood to leak backward. Can lead to heart enlargement and failure.
- Severe Symptoms: When valve disease causes significant symptoms affecting quality of life.
- Heart Damage: When the heart begins to weaken due to valve disease, even before symptoms appear.
Treatment Options
Several approaches exist for aortic valve replacement:
Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR)
Traditional open-heart surgery remains the gold standard for many patients:
- Requires opening the chest and using a heart-lung machine
- Allows direct visualization and precise valve placement
- Excellent long-term outcomes with decades of data
- Best option for younger, lower-risk patients
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
A minimally invasive alternative using catheters:
- New valve is delivered through a catheter, typically via the leg artery
- No chest incision or heart-lung machine needed
- Shorter hospital stay and faster recovery
- Originally for high-risk patients, now approved for all risk levels
- Excellent outcomes comparable to surgery in many patients
Valve Types
Replacement valves come in two main types:
- Mechanical Valves: Made of durable materials, can last a lifetime, but require lifelong blood thinners.
- Biological (Tissue) Valves: Made from animal tissue, don't require long-term blood thinners, but may wear out after 10-20 years.
Choosing the Right Approach
The best treatment depends on multiple factors:
- Age and life expectancy
- Overall health and surgical risk
- Anatomy of the heart and blood vessels
- Presence of other heart conditions
- Patient preferences and lifestyle
Life After Valve Replacement
Most patients experience significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life after valve replacement. Follow-up care includes regular echocardiograms to monitor valve function and cardiac check-ups.
If you've been told you have aortic valve disease, consult with a heart team that offers both surgical and transcatheter options to determine the best approach for your individual situation.
Have Questions?
Our team is here to help. Schedule a consultation with one of our specialists.
Schedule Appointment