Treatment Options for Aortic Valve Stenosis

Aortic valve stenosis can be treated through several approaches, each tailored to the patient's overall health, severity of the condition, and individual needs. While medication can help manage symptoms, it is not a permanent solution. For many patients, surgical intervention offers the best long-term outcome.

Medical Management

Medications are often used to alleviate symptoms and improve heart function temporarily. These may include diuretics to reduce fluid buildup, beta-blockers to control heart rate, and vasodilators to ease the heart's workload. However, drug therapy cannot reverse the structural damage caused by aortic stenosis and is typically used as a short-term or palliative approach.

Traditional Surgical Treatment

Open-Heart Aortic Valve Replacement

For the majority of patients, especially those in good overall health, open-heart surgery remains the gold standard. This procedure involves replacing the damaged aortic valve with either a mechanical or biological prosthetic valve. The success rate for this type of surgery is high, and many patients experience significant symptom relief and improved quality of life for years following the operation.

Minimally Invasive and Catheter-Based Procedures

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

In recent years, a less invasive option known as Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) has become available. This technique allows doctors to replace the aortic valve via a catheter inserted through the skin, typically through the femoral artery or other access points such as the apex of the heart or the ascending aorta. TAVR is especially beneficial for high-risk or elderly patients who may not be candidates for traditional surgery.

This advanced procedure has been widely adopted in many Western countries and is now offered in select medical centers in China, including major hospitals in Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an. Due to strict eligibility criteria, it is primarily reserved for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are at high risk for open-heart surgery.

Choosing the Right Treatment

Deciding on the most appropriate treatment requires a comprehensive evaluation by a team of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. Factors such as age, overall health, valve anatomy, and risk profile all play a role in determining whether medication, surgical valve replacement, or a minimally invasive approach like TAVR is the best option.