Info Kit
Info Kit

I have severe aortic stenosis. What should I do?

If you have severe aortic stenosis, your aortic valve may need to be replaced.1 There are two ways to do this:1

  • Surgical aortic valve replacement by open heart surgery
  • TAVI (transcatheter aortic valve implantation/replacement), a minimally invasive procedure

SAVR (or surgical aortic valve replacement)1

The surgeon makes an incision into the chest to access the heart.1

The diseased aortic valve is completely removed and replaced with a mechanical or biological valve.2,3

open heart

The procedure typically takes 2–4 hours.3

Generally, a hospital stay of 1 week is advised, after the procedure.1

TAVI or SAVR

TAVI or transcatheter aortic valve implantation1

The Interventional Cardiologist makes a small incision (usually on the upper leg and occasionally, on the side of the chest) and inserts a new bioprosthetic valve into the diseased valve.2

TAVI is a relatively less invasive procedure than open heart surgery.2

TAVI

The procedure typically 1–2 hours.4

You may be discharged from hospital within a day or two of the procedure, unless your doctor advises a longer hospital stay.4

TAVI or SAVR

Talk to your doctor to learn more about the benefits and risks of severe aortic stenosis treatments.

Watch this video to learn about all the ways to treat your aortic stenosis

treatment options

References
1. Mayo Clinic. Aortic valve stenosis. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aortic-stenosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353145. Accessed 23 October 2023.
2. American Heart Association. Managing Aortic Stenosis Symptoms. Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-valve-problems-and-disease/heart-valve-disease-risks-signs-and-symptoms/managing-aortic-stenosis-symptoms. Accessed 23 October 2023.
3. Otto CM, et al. Circulation 2021;143:e72-e227.
4. British Heart Foundation. TAVI (Transcatheter aortic valve implantation). Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk/information... Accessed 2 August 2023.