Treatment Options

You may think it is ok to withhold new or worsening symptoms from your doctor at appointments, but it can be dangerous. That's because the symptoms may mean that your severe aortic stenosis, commonly known as heart valve failure, has reached has reached a life-threatening point. It is important to tell your doctor about any changes to your health and ask about all your treatment options.

The sooner you treat your heart valve failure, the sooner you can get back to the life you want to live.

Is medication an effective treatment?

Depending on how far your aortic stenosis (heart valve disease) has progressed, your doctor may prescribe medication at first to help control your symptoms. However, once heart valve disease advances to the severe stage, medication alone will not treat it and it will continue to get worse until you have your aortic valve replaced.

What are the treatment options for heart valve failure?

Aortic valve replacement, through either open heart surgery or the less invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) , is the only effective treatment for heart valve failure. With TAVR, your heart valve failure can be treated in a way that does not require your chest to be opened.

Your aortic valve replacement options:

TAVR

(also known as transcatheter aortic valve replacement)

TAVR should be considered for all patients who have been diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis and are experiencing symptoms (heart valve failure).

  • TAVR is a less invasive way to replace your aortic valve without opening the chest.
  • During the TAVR procedure, a small tube is used to insert a  bioprosthetic valve inside your diseased valve.
  • TAVR has a shorter procedure time and hospital stay compared to surgery.
  • Most patients return home the next day and have a shorter recovery time, getting them back to everyday activities.
  • Talk to your doctor about questions you may have about TAVR and/or its associated risks.

There is a possibility of risks and complications with the TAVR procedure. The most serious TAVR complications include death, stroke, serious damage to the arteries, or serious bleeding.


Interested to learn about the newest TAVR valve that has the same advanced tissue technology as the leading surgical valve?

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Video

What is TAVR?

Learn how the less invasive TAVR procedure is performed.

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Open heart surgery

(also known as surgical aortic valve replacement)

  • Typically, during open heart surgery, the surgeon will make an incision across the full length of your chest to access your valve.
  • Sometimes open heart surgeries can be performed through smaller incisions (called  minimal incision valve surgery ).
  • Your old aortic valve will be taken out and a new one will be placed in your body.
  • The new valve can either be a  mechanical valve or a  bioprosthetic valve .
  • Talk to your doctor about questions you may have about open heart surgery and/or its associated risks.
Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR)

Video

What is open heart surgery?

Explore how open heart surgery is performed and what you can expect from the procedure.

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Aortic Stenosis Informed Discussion Guide

For your next appointment

Use this Informed Discussion Guide to help you talk with your doctor about your severe aortic stenosis and symptoms you may be experiencing (also known as heart valve failure). Don’t wait.

Talk with your doctor

How can you get the most from your doctor appointments?

To get the attention and care you deserve, it is important to maximize the time you have at your doctor visits. Below are some tips on how to have a helpful conversation with your doctor about your heart valve failure:

Make a list

Before your appointment, write down and prioritize things you want to discuss, including new or worsening symptoms, questions, and concerns you may have. Bring the list to your appointment to help focus the conversation.

Be honest

Although it can be overwhelming, it is important to share changes in your health so that you can receive proper and timely care.

Ask about all your treatment options

It is natural to feel afraid, but it is important to seek treatment for your heart valve failure as soon as you experience symptoms. Postponing treatment is dangerous. Be sure to ask your doctor about all your treatment options.

Free TAVR info kit

Want more information delivered directly to you?

Get a free information kit by email or mail to learn about heart valve failure and the TAVR procedure.

What you’ll receive in your kit:

  • Education on heart valve failure and symptoms checklist
  • Information on TAVR as a treatment option
  • Videos of patients sharing their experiences with TAVR
  • Discussion guide for talking with your doctor
  • List of hospitals in your area that perform TAVR
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