Surgery for valve replacement in someone with aortic stenosis? what are the different ways?

Many: Depending on the patient risk and other comorbidities and need for concomitant surgery (other valve, bypass), one can have mini aortic valve replacement (small incision 6 cm, short hospital stay), regular valve surgery (classic incision), or percutaneous valve replacement (tavr, in specialized centers). Your cardiologist should be able to help pick the best one for your particular situation.

Dr Spiers agreed

Not many: Best treatment is surgical replacement. It can be performed through a full sternotomy, a partial sternotomy or a small right anterior thoracotomy. The last two approaches are considered minimally invasive. Another option is transcatheter aortic valve replacement, only inoperable and high risk patients are candidates. Also balloon valvuloplasty, short term solution, lasts approximately 6 months.

Dr Aronzon and another doctor agreed

SAVR AND TAVR: Traditionally, surgical aortic valve replacement was the best method for treating significant aortic stenosis. Some patients, unfortunately, were too ill for the procedure. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (tavr) has proven an excellent alternative for these patients. Talk to your thoracic surgeon and cardiologist to see if you are eligible.

Dr Koch and another doctor agreed