Treatment of Aortic Stenosis

Valve replacement surgery consists of replacing the defective heart valve with a new one.  There are two artificial valve options for valve replacement: mechanical (metal) valves or biological (tissue) valves. 

The main advantage of mechanical valves is that they are very durable (they do not wear out). However, blood clots tend to form around these valves, so patients must take anticoagulant medication for the rest of their lives. There is also a small risk of stroke (ictus) due to blood clots. 

Biological valves are generally made from tissue of animal origin. Biological valves are less prone to causing blood clots, but they are also less durable than mechanical valves and may need to be replaced in the future. 

The surgeon will evaluate the case on an individual basis, and will decide on the most appropriate treatment option in each case, with the patient’s consent.

Known by its acronym, TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation) is a procedure that consists of introducing a catheter (which contains the new folded valve) by puncture through an artery (femoral, axial or aorta) until it reaches the interior of the heart and, more precisely, the diseased valve. Once it is there, the new valve is unfolded, taking the place of the diseased valve. The catheter is then removed.