Options For Treating Aortic Stenosis

Aortic Valve Replacement

The only way to effectively treat aortic valve stenosis is an aortic valve replacement. Some patients are unable to control their symptoms and complications of aortic valve stenosis through non-surgical or minimally invasive repair methods. In such cases, the patient requires a complete excision of the narrowed valve and the installation of a replacement. Replacement valves are made from tissues that come from pigs, cows, or other individuals. Some replacement valves are mechanical and man-made. Man-made mechanical replacement valves mean patients must take blood thinners for the rest of their life, but they also last longer than biological valves. Valves made of actual living tissue do not carry the requirement of medication but do require replacement every ten to fifteen years. While open surgery to replace the aortic valve is most effective, an alternative method of replacement is available. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement works the same as a balloon valvopathy, but the replacement valve is inserted before the balloon is deflated and removed. This procedure is common in patients who have already had a valve replacement and need another one.